INTERVIEW: NATHASSIA

INTERVIEW:

NATHASSIA

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SHE commands a huge fanbase and makes music that…

gets people together and moving. I talk to NATHASSIA about her current single, Light of the World, and whether there will be new material soon. She reveals her musical tastes and how it feels being compared to Kate Bush; what the music scene is like in the Netherlands (where she originally is from) – and when music first came into her life.

I ask Nathassia to name albums that have been influential for her; whether the music industry lacks any real spark – and any other musician she recommends we check out.

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Hi, NATHASSIA. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi!

A bit hectic as I had a live show in Hull!

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I like to transgress borders and mindsets with my music - by infusing traditional World music instruments with electronic sounds.

Can you reveal the story behind your new single, Light of the World? 

You've probably heard about A.I. and robotics. The song is about our future: when love merges with technology.

The video is quite trippy but features recorded street footage. Can you tell me more about how the video came together and what we are watching?

The street dancing was at Notting Hill Carnival - which was great fun. I chose that because it celebrates multiculturalism.

You self-produced your debut album alongside leading producers. Was it quite a challenging process – or did you learn a lot along the way?

It was actually a very enjoyable process - because I worked with producers I know well.

Will there be more songs coming before next year?

Not this year: I've got a new album coming early-2018.

Your voice has garnered comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush. Is she someone you grew up with? What is it about her that appeals to so many singer-songwriters?

I have a memory, when I was a young child, when I saw the video for Wuthering Heights for the first time and was impressed and mesmerised by the way she was dancing - and loved the way she was singing.

I thought she sounded like a cat! (But I do love cats!)

Netherlands is where you were born. Did the country provide a lot of musical inspiration and what motivated the move to the U.K.?

Because of my mixed background; I grew up listening to classical Indian sounds and exotic South American music - whilst the Netherlands was a hub for Electronic music. I first moved to London for work experience for my studies (International Music Management).

After I completed that, I moved to London permanently to set up a recording studio and work on my album.

Can you tell me how music first came into your life and which artists you grew up listening to?

I did my first show when I was three-years-old with a microphone from an old lorry that my dad brought home for me to play with - singing along to Gloria Estefan, Madonna; Bob Marley, UB40 and classical Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar (and Dutch artist Herman Brood).

Your music mixes Electronica and Pop (with other genres). It is fun and energetic. Do you think music lacks a certain spark and sense of fun right now?

Thanks! I don't think current music misses spark and fun - but I do feel that there aren't so many risks taken anymore.

IN THIS PHOTO: San Holo

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

Lost Horizons, San Holo and Satori.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Kraftwerk – Radioactivity

Gloria Estefan - Alma Caribeña 

Nitin Sawhney - Beyond Skin

I (just) simply love all three and have played them a million times!

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

Find local fans and work your social media incredibly hard.

Do you have gigs coming up? Where can we come and catch you play?

The last two shows, as part of my Feel the Future Now U.K. tour, are in Brighton and Southampton.

In 2018, I will start my world tour.

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

I have plans to shoot a video in Spain for the next album.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

I'm very much into Progressive-House. My current favourite track is Emi Galvan - Memo

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Follow NATHASSIA

Official:

http://www.nathassia.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/NathassiaDevine/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/nathassiadevine

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nathassiadevine/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/NathassiaDevine

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk50iEDoy7W3fM0bZZTaT0Q 

INTERVIEW: L.A.D

INTERVIEW:

 L.A.D

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MANY are claiming there is a revival of 1980s music happening right now.

This is an assertion backed by the Reading-based trio, L.A.D. The lyric-video for Dance Floor has just been unveiled so I ask Natalie, Jack and Luke about the song and how it came together. They talk about their formation and where their loves of the 1980s’ sounds and sensations stem from. I ask about their influences and what the chemistry is like in the group.

The trio discusses future material and what the music scene is like in Reading; the new artists they recommend we get involved with – and how Natalie, a solo artist before she helped form the trio, has transitioned from lone performance to life with L.A.D.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! Been great, thanks!

Very productive over at L.A.D. We had a writing session at the start of the week; then, a photoshoot on Thursday! 

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

We are L.A.D. - and that's Natalie, Jack and Luke. We are a band making 1980s-inspired music and are about to take over the world...standard. 

Tell me about the band-name, ‘L.A.D.’ and the meaning behind that. Do the words ‘Live After Dark’ hold special significance?!

L.A.D can mean whatever you want it to…

It has a meaning to each of us, individually, but we are kinda leaving it up to interpretation. It could mean ‘Luke And Dinosaurs’; ‘Lobsters Are Downstairs’...

...whatever you want!  

How did you all get together? Have you known each other for a while or is L.A.D. a pretty spontaneous creation?

We've known each other a long time just from being from Reading and going to house parties (and messy nights at the Purple Turtle!). We've written together for the past eighteen months just to stay creative - and L.A.D just developed naturally! 

Dance Floor is the new single. Can you tell me about its origins and how it felt hearing it back from the first time?

Well...doesn't everyone just love those timeless tunes from the 1980s that just makes you get up and dance; to not care what people think and what you look like?! So, when writing Dance Floor; we tried to capture that!

Then, we fired up the drum machine; put synths on turbo - and threw the ginge in the booth to make silly noises until it created a song!

An album will follow. What themes and ideas are explored on the record?

Lots of upbeat tunes to get you dancing but, also, some drowning-in-synths sci. fi. moments. Our own version of the 1980s power-ballad is absolutely on the cards!

Your music celebrates the best of the 1980s and the glory of dance! Is it a decade you are all fond of - and what is it about the 1980s that attracts you all?

We were all bought up on 1980s music and it's a decade that has heavily influenced all of us in style, music and fashion! It was just a time where music really pushed boundaries: a decade full of colour and fun - and a lot of leg warmers and big hair! 

It is rare finding artists who marry the 1980s and modern sounds. Do you feel modern music lacks invention and colour?

There's actually a revival of 1980s sounds and music going on which we are very much enjoying!

But, also, there's never been a more diverse time in music than right now! Although we love our genre and are ready to bounce in the gap in the industry; we also have a lot of respect for many artists out there!

End of the day: if you're creating music and embracing your talent, we are fans! 

Natalie. I have known you (and your music) for a long time. How does it feel transitioning from a solo artist to a trio? What are the main differences?

To be honest, the main difference is the amount of sarcasm and rude jokes I hear on a daily basis! Joking aside; after writing with these guys for over eighteen months and, after releasing Live in Love, it just felt like a natural transition. We all have a really good giggle during sessions/gigs and I love working with them both.

It's also great to have two other people's opinions and be able to bounce ideas off each other! 

What is an area like Reading like for a new act? Do you rely a lot on London and its venues – or is there an active local scene?

Reading is a great place for acts starting up.

We have a lot of local music venues/events that really support local bands. We also have a strong BBC introducing presence – and, of course...the amazing Reading Festival! 

IN THIS PHOTO: Tiny Giant

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

Well…apart from L.A.D?!

Tiny Giant; NINA and The Romances are great new artists!

IN THIS PHOTO: NINA

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we see you play?

Well. Currently, we're focused on working on the album; perfecting things and (just) making music.

There are a lot of announcements coming soon in regards to gigs...

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

Jack: Whatcha Gonna Do for Me - Chaka Khan

Amazing combination of musicianship and, at the time, revolutionary synth. work and production. 

Natalie: That's so hard! Either Immaculate by Madonna or Whitney Houston (by Whitney Houston)

Both these albums were massive influences on me growing up - as a singer as well as becoming an artist. I could, literally, listen to both of these albums on-repeat all-day, every day! Both are strong artists who were never afraid to be themselves. 

Luke: Justice - Cross

The first fully-Electronic album I ever loved. It really was a game-changer in regards to musical direction! 

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

It sounds cheesy but (just) make the music you love. Be true to yourselves as artists and, as long as the music is making you happy, then keep doing it!

Never take ‘no’ for an answer! 

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Working on the ultimate Christmas 1980s classic....obviously. Haha

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Object of My Desire – Starpoint

How Will I Know - Whitney Houston 

Peter Gabriel - Big Time (it's a banger)

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Follow L.A.D

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LADbandofficial/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LADbandofficial

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LZqYi3VZhZUhcSSq566T1

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/ladbandofficial

INTERVIEW: Jasper Wilde

INTERVIEW:

 Jasper Wilde

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IT is interesting learning more about Jasper Wilde…

PHOTO CREDIT: Ariel Majtas

and how he arrived in London. The Cannes-born musician discusses his charity work with Key Changes and his involvement with Salute – how they are impacting him and providing nourishment. I ask him about his upbringing and the artists that have inspired him; whether he is working on anything new – and why he is flying to Miami in November.

Wilde reveals his route into music and whether he fancies time in the U.S.; how his week has been – and those crucial records that have settled deep in his heart.

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Hi, Jasper. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m very good.

My week has been full-on with photoshoots, planning and producing music over at the charity, Key Changes - a music recovery service working for people with mental health problems.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Jasper. I’m a twenty-four-year-old Frenchman from Cannes. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, artist-producer…

I’d say that my main instrument is guitar - but I realise that bass and keys are the ones I use a lot right now.

I also play talk box.

What are you working on at the moment? Can we expect any new material before the end of the year?

I’ve just finished a song with a spoken-word/rapper from Brixton that I met through the charity work that I do.

It’s coming out in November - so lots more photos to be taken.

Talk to me about Salute and your involvement with that?

I heard about the competition from a friend.

The prize-money is incredible and as it’s so hard, money-wise, in the early stages of being a musician; it could make a huge difference to my life - it’s great to see a company doing so much work and promotion of new artists like this.

I think the website and app. are really cool and the standard is really high…I just hope I can win!

You’re based in London but come from Cannes. Why did you move from France and what are the differences in terms of the music and people?

Yes, I am. I did a year in Medicine at the Université Nice Sophia Antipolis but realised music was the only thing that mattered to me. So, I moved to London to improve my English and dedicate 100% of my life and time to music.

French music is great but it is in French - I love my country and my roots but feel that English sounds better sang (than French). I also want the whole world to connect with me as an artist - which makes it a lot easier singing in English.

In France, there’s not a lot of space for international artists (or French artists singing in English), unless you’re Beyoncé. So, when you’re starting up, it’s not the easiest process and everyone wants you to sing in French (as we know French radio plays, mostly, French artists).

As an artist; you play all the instruments and produce. When did you first pick an instrument up and do you prefer having musical autonomy?

I couldn’t, obviously, remember as I was two-and-a-half-years-old - but there’s footage of me with my grandpa playing nursery rhymes on the piano. I, then, saw my uncle playing electric guitar for my birthday - when I was ten - and was blown away; so I really got into it then. I started copying him on an old crusty upside-down guitar - as I’m left-handed - and, shortly after that, my parents bought an electric guitar.

I think learning as much as you can is really important – it doesn’t mean you have to do everything. But, knowing what you can and cannot do is key to me.

I did prefer having musical autonomy but, now that I practised so much and know what I can do, I feel confident and comfortable having someone else involved in the process

I believe Jimmy Douglas has invited you over to Miami. How did it feel getting the news and what will you two be doing?!

I was just over-excited!

Speaking to him on the phone was just weird and so cool at the same time. He’s so chilled as well. We, first, are going to meet, for real, in November, in Miami; then, do some writing and see where the music takes us. Just being in a room with him will teach me so much: it’s a process that you can’t predict, though - but there’s definitely something bubbling...

Have you been to the U.S.? Is that a market you want to get into?

Yes, I have. I went to L.A. for three months last year...well, who wouldn’t want to get successful in the U.S.?!

That’s also where the music I love is coming from…

I want to know more about the charity, Key Changes. How did you come to work for them and why is it so important being involved with them?

Key Changes is a charity that provides one-on-one professional studio sessions for people who are mentally ill (from hospitals and prisons). I got introduced to it by the person I work with every day as she is one of the trustees.

It completely changed my life. It is important to me as it’s another way of learning - you have to be fast, creative and make them feel comfortable by doing what they want; not what I want. It’s nice to not think about yourself every now and then, as we know, doing what we do as artists can be lonely and very stressful. It opened up my mind.

At some point, I felt like a horse with blinkers - which you have to be, I think, when learning your craft; like a geek in a way. Now - since I’m doing this charity work - I see in 3-D…and more opportunities come along.

It’s so great, as well, seeing those who have had a pretty rough journey open up and express themselves - and their experiences with their lyrics and music is an incredibly healing gift.

In terms of the music you were brought up on; which artists stick in your mind from the early years?

Michael Jackson, Prince (and) Kool & The Gang at every house-party my parents were putting on.

It was almost the rule! Haha.

IN THIS PHOTO: Charlie Puth

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

One of my favourite new artists is Charlie Puth. I completely connect with him as he produces, writes and play on most of his songs.

I feel like our parents played us the same music.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we all catch you play?

Not at the moment - been busy writing new material.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Michael Jackson – Thriller

I, basically, learned most about my own producing from this album. I watched so many videos and interviews about the whole process - It’s just incredible. Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton and Michael Jackson had such a big impact on my production and way of writing music. I actually met Rod Temperton, once, at the Jazz Café and we had a chat.

It was weird talking about ‘Michael’, as he would say, and talked about a couple of the songs that weren’t released and why. Too weird. Haha

Justin Timberlake – Justify

It’s the perfect follow-up from Thriller, for me, to learn production (which is why meeting Jimmy Douglas and working with him soon is so exciting). Every second of this album is amazing: I've probably listened to it 10,000,000,000 times. It doesn’t even sound dated - and it’s sixteen-years-old.

I just love it.

AC/DC - Back in Black

I started to learn guitar from this album. Angus Young was my hero at the time. It’s Hard-Rock - but they still add a bit of groove to it.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Determination, self-belief; resilience: you get eaten up, otherwise. Also; find out who you are: authentic artists are the ones the public like the most...

So; BE YOU!

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

I will be working until Christmas week, where I’ll go back home down in the South of France for a bit, celebrating with the family.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Hmmm…

It’s hard...but I’d say Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson  

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Follow Jasper Wilde

 Official:

https://www.jasperwilde.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheJasperWilde/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TheJasperWilde

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/JasperWilde/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xRH9oEQspRsSSa9qxfwQh

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTIz6G7jN_jzU4Ny6qFNaw

INTERVIEW: Skye Wallace

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: James Burrows

 Skye Wallace

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A lot of my time is being spent documenting and…

ART CREDIT: Greg Maxwell

featuring great Canadian artists. I am not sure why I am popular there – never good questioning or speculating – but I am very glad Skye Wallace has come to my attention. She talks about her awesome new single, Scarlet Fever, and what comes next; the advice she would offer new artists - and whether we can see her in the U.K.

I ask Wallace about her musical background the artists she followed; when music came into her life – and the three albums that mean the most to her.

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Hi, Skye. How are you? How has your week been?

Pretty good! 

We're on the road right now - playing in Montreal tonight!

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Skye Wallace; I'm a Toronto-based artist who does a Folk-Rock-tinged-with-Punk style of music.

Scarlet Fever is the new single. Is there a story behind it? Tell me more about the song…

The song is (about) a love story set in the Yukon.

After a winter apart; Scarlet is arriving in the Dawson City harbour by boat and her lover awaits on land - petrified with uncertainty over the state of their devotion. It's based on a true story - I tried to evoke the messy turmoil of love and lust with the energy of the song.

The song is quite energised and high-octane. Was it an easy song to get down on tape or did it go through various stages?!

Well, this particular version happened very organically.

I had great players, a great space and a relatively clear idea with room to play. However, this isn't the first version. We first recorded Scarlet Fever as quite a different song that was released as a bonus track on my 2014 release, Living Parts. Check it out, if you're so inclined! 

I always love hearing the processes of creative projects.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouëllic

Is there going to be any more music coming this year? What else do you have planned for 2017?

I'll be releasing another single in early 2018 along with a full album later in 2018 - which I'm really excited about.

The remainder of 2017 is finishing up this tour then touring the East Coast of Canada for November; then seeing some West Coast action in December.

Then, it's down to more recording!

Do you remember when music came into your life? Can you remember the first song you heard?

I was pretty obsessed with Randy Travis when I was three or four. I carried around the tape everywhere: I went and knew all the words (phonetically at least). Everyone in my household had a great love of music, especially, my mom's side of the family - being from Newfoundland.

PHOTO CREDIT: Steven

Who are the musicians you followed and were captivated by as a youngster?

I was obsessed with a bunch of different artists but the standouts I can think of now are Neil Young, The Weakerthans; Against Me, Patti Smith; Brand New and Tom Waits.

Looking back on the year (so far); what has been your fondest memory so far?

The tour I did of Italy and Germany (in May) was full of good times and crazy moments; beautiful sights and dope shows. The only bad thing that happened was an old Italian man likened my super-pasty legs to mozzarella. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jenny Ramone

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

I'm on a huge Big Thief kick at the moment. Definitely, check them out.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we catch you play?

We're in Montreal tonight at The BOG then Toronto, tomorrow, at The Cameron House back-room. We'll be announcing the East Coast tour dates early next week - so keep tabs on the socials! 

I'll be posting soon! 

Do you have any plans coming to the U.K.? Have you performed over here at all?

I haven't yet but, with the new album coming out, I'm working on coming over at least once….it's always been a dream. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouëllic

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Brand New - Deja Entendu

Brand New really changed me when I was in high-school. This one is everything I want out of an album...

The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving

The Weakerthans are my all-time favourite band and this record was the first I heard. I remember being extremely affected, emotionally and creatively, when I discovered this.

Tom Waits - Rain Dogs

My mom sat my brother and I down in the car one day and told us we had to listen to Rain Dogs. It started with Singapore, and we were like: "Mom, what the heck is this? He sounds like Satan." She told us we'd learn to love it - and we did.

It was a huge inspiration for me when I first started experimenting with writing my own music.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Just keep going.

Sometimes, it seems like you're just treading water and not making any headway. Stick to your own thing you're doing - there's no point in trying to fit the confines of what already exists. In order to do make your thing happen, it often takes time…a lot of time.

You just need to keep going and keep believing in your art.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouëllic

Christmas is not too far away. Do you all have plans already - or will you be busy working?

I'll be hanging out in Vancouver; playing shows in the area - but also doing some chilling with family and friends!

Are there chances for you to detach from music? Do you have any hobbies outside of music?

I have plans to get back into curling this winter.

I curled for eight or nine years and love that sport. I grew up behind a curling club because my grandfather ran the club and made the ice - so it's near and dear to my heart.

Stoked to get back into it.

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Follow Skye Wallace

PHOTO CREDIT: Nelson Mouëlli 

Official:

https://www.skyewallace.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/skyewallacemusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/skyewallace

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/skyewallacemusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/skyewallacemusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BBaTzjSoI3KGH2c5yyCae

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl6ykpE9-JOp8aDYVx7324A

INTERVIEW: Titus Makin

INTERVIEW:

 PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Morgan 

Titus Makin

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HE is based in Los Angeles…

 PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Morgan

but has links to Georgia and Arizona. I talk to the U.S. star Titus Makin about his new single, Ropes - and shooting its incredible video. He discusses his connection with God and how faith connects with his music; whether there are going to be more songs in the approaching months – and the artists that have inspired him already.

I ask about touring and if we can expect him in the U.K.; how he balances his acting career – he appeared on shows like Glee – with the demands of music; what advice he would offer anyone starting out – and whether he has plans for Christmas.

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Hi, Titus. How are you? How has your week been? 

Mine has been great! Hope yours has been as well!

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please? 

I’m Titus Makin; a Pop artist and actor. If you like Pop music with Soul undertones, I'm your man! L.o.L.

Ropes is the new single. Tell me about its story and how it came together?

I was honestly just with my producer/co-writer (Jake Scott). We heard a Maroon 5 song and wanted to write something in that tempo. Then, I started sharing with him how difficult it can be to not fall back into old habits and sharing how much it means for me to stay near to God - "Keeping me on his ropes" (not letting me stray away due to my own selfishness) 

The video looks like it was an interesting experience. What was the shoot like and do you enjoy filming videos?

The shoot was a blast!

I love the creative process of doing a music video. It was my first time having backup dancers - which added a beautiful energy to the song and final picture.

Will there be an E.P. or more material coming soon?

YES. I’m working on an upcoming E.P. - now titled LEAN - which will also feature Ropes and an upcoming single, Good Love.

You are an artist from Arizona. What is the music scene like there and were there any local artists that inspired you when you were younger?

Due to me being a military brat; I'm not too versed on the music scene in AZ; but throughout high-school, I definitely met some phenomenally talented vocalist.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Morgan 

How important was your time at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts? What are the most important lessons/things you learned whilst there?

It was very important for me, personally.

I started going to school there very young so I had a lot of maturing to do before I could get out on the battlefield of entertainment. By the time I graduated, I was well equipt with the technical and historical side of acting. I also learned not to drink too much while I was there: it can have pretty intense, damaging effects. 

PHOTO CREDIT: @chrislabadie

In addition to music, you have starred in shows like Glee. Has time in T.V. shows like Pretty Little Liars helped your music - and is there a connection between acting and music?

Acting has definitely helped my music by me being able/willing to be more vulnerable (in writing session and just connecting to my music as a whole). Also; just comfort in front of the camera in general.

Will we be able to catch you on any other shows this year? Is it hard balancing music and acting?

Yes. I'm currently filming a show - that I have been blessed to be a part of - called The Path (on Hulu). I play a character named Caleb Matthews. Season three will start airing early-2018.

Talk to me about your musical heroes. Who are the artists that mean most to you?

I get so inspired by Lenny Kravitz, Pharrell Williams; Adam Levine and CeeLo Green. All of these gentlemen really showed how going against the grain of what the industry may have wanted from them can be beneficial - if you believe in your artistry and what you have to say.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Morgan

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

A good friend of mine, Davie, is a new artist with some FANTASTIC music.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Any U.K. dates coming up?  

I wish! Show dates to be announced soon.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Usher - 8701

Because it was the real first album I owned and memorized.

Imagine Dragons - Smoke + Mirrors

Because it was my anthem and mood/energy boost for countless days once it was released.

Glee: The Music (all volumes)

Just because a lot happened during that time of my life (being on Glee) - so many songs have tons of amazing memories attached to them.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Believe you're able, believe you're enough; believe in God. Don’t let anyone make you inferior about the talent you have to offer.

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Thankfully, a lot of the industry shuts down during the holidays; so my plan is to head back to either Arizona or Georgia to be with family.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

I’m currently obsessed with Thunder by Imagine Dragons

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Follow Titus Makin

 PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Morgan  

Official:

http://www.titusmakinmusic.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/titusmakinmusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/titusmakin

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/titusmakinmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/titusmakinmusic/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/45IRcapz9TBzNbgHwRIZSN

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNdmJYe4jqvRX7oUX5_G7ug 

INTERVIEW: Sara Diamond

INTERVIEW:

 Sara Diamond

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IN a full and frank interview…

Sara Diamond goes into depth about her music career and spending time in L.A. I ask her about the time in California and whether it was an enriching process – and what the differences are between Montreal (where she is based) and L.A. She talks about the new single, Stay a Little, and what comes next – and whether there are going to be any U.K. dates further ahead.

Diamond discusses her childhood and how she latched onto music young; the artists and sounds she was exposed to – finishing by offering some great advice to new musicians coming into the industry.

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Hi, Sara. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey, Music Musings (or whoever, by name, is going to be publishing this)! I’m doing great on this lovely Friday morning. Coffeed-up and ready to go. My week has been lovely - I released my third single last Friday; so it’s been wonderful hearing people’s feedback throughout the week. Plus, sessions and as many fall (autumn) runs as possible...

How has your week been?

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I started singing mannnnyyy moons ago…went back and forth between loving and hating it -kind of like dating.

But, I think we’re married now (weird analogy?). It can be tricky, putting your heart out on the line; making music that goes there. I’m finally getting to a place where I’m learning about the secrets I keep even from myself…so I’m implementing that into my music, which is really liberating.

On a non-music-related note: I LOVE space. It boggles my mind. Everything about the universe we live in…I also love red wine and going on hikes with my friends. Plop me outside and I’m a happy camper. I have a small tattoo on my right ring finger. My hair has always been super curly and I’m finally learning to love it (see picture below…).

PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Diamond

I like giving gifts more than I do receiving them. My favourite colour right now is orange….AND…last thing: I love Friday the 13th.  

Stay a Little is your new single. Can you tell me what inspired the song?

I wrote Stay a Little right after my first heartbreak; literally right after.

It was kind of a long time coming…but one of those things you can’t imagine actually happening. I got into my bed; I looked out the window. It was 5:00 A.M. and the sky was just dark. I didn’t want to see the sun or the moon - because both meant acknowledging the truth of the situation. Last night we were together, tomorrow morning we won’t be ‘us’ anymore. The moment seemed to not exist; so I wanted to stay in that space.

In terms of the relationship; I knew every outcome would cause suffering. So, I just wanted to stay in one place and forget about everything. 

Do you think there will be other singles soon? Any E.P. in the pipeline?

Most definitely. Expect a lot more music. I’m just going to be getting it out there, constantly, and passionately.

Life is too short to not put music out.

I believe you started singing when you were super-young. Singing on the children’s record label, KIDZUP; was that the moment you decided music was your future?

I remember being ten and knowing that I wanted to sing professionally. I mean, I was ten, so I only had superstardom (Hannah Montana 2.0, anyone?) as a benchmark…but the intention was there. It took many years, trial-and-error, to get to the place that I’m in right now…which is the belief that music is my present. If I carry out my life making the best possible present moment, music will be a part of my life forever - as well as all of the things that bring me clarity and joy.

Back in 2008, you told your parents you wanted to go to L.A. What was their reaction?

They kind of chuckled and didn’t think much of it.

I mean, I’m sure three-year-olds telling their parents they want to be famous is a regular and exaggerated occurrence. But, when I got the opportunity, they were the most selfless, supportive; compassionate parents - and they let me go, which I will be forever grateful for because they let me fly and then fall (with no judgment) - and now fly again, in a different way.

PHOTO CREDIT: Grant Spanier

You did arrive there aged fourteen. Was it eye-opening experiencing the city at such a young age?!

It was definitely eye-opening.

I’m from Montreal, and to be honest, I was a very typical fourteen-year-old. I hadn’t been to a party or gotten drunk ever (aside from being tipsy at Passover…but that’s an exception, right?!). I didn’t wear much makeup and I, luckily, grew up in an environment where my peers were all supportive of each other. L.A. was, basically, the opposite…tons of stage moms with twelve-year-olds in full face makeup; dyed and curled hair at like 10 A.M. Tons of backstabbing; tons of gossip. I dealt with more ‘friends’ spreading rumours about each other than I thought was possible…and it was mostly career-driven. I remember getting snuck into an industry party and feeling SO uncomfortable when I was offered a drink (I mean, I was fifteen!). I think the most eye-opening thing was the realization that it’s the people that make life worthwhile.

I was doing some really cool things in LA but I was fifteen-years-old and 3000 miles from my friends and family, trying to be ‘famous’…and it really messed with me. 

A girl-band formed and you experienced some ups and downs. Do you think, looking back, it was a positive experience? What did you learn from your time there?

It was 100% a growing experience which, to me, is a positive experience.

Everything in life is either a lesson or a celebration. Either you’re learning and growing or celebrating a moment of clarity. The girl-group, being in L.A., was really taxing on my mental, physical and spiritual health. I was a wreck - but it made me grow up really fast. I took that growth, which could have become destructive, and (just) let it happen with as little judgment as possible. Somehow, I was able to come back to Montreal and not think that I had ‘failed’.  I think that was the biggest gift. I was so miserable in L.A. that being home was such a success…I could be OK, again.

I think the biggest thing being there taught me was that music is therapy. I had nothing to write about because I hadn’t experienced anything, really. I grew up in a bubble. L.A. gave me that shake-up. Everything sort of spiralled downwards for a few years from there - which let me go into the pain and grow out of it. We see mistakes, pain and ‘failure’, as a bad thing: they are the complete opposite. They are the stories that shape us; the building blocks that then become a strong, resilient and beautiful castle.

Montreal is your base. How does life there differ to that in L.A.?

We get four seasons in Montreal but L.A. gets the ocean and majestic mountains.  

I notice Canada is thriving in regards its music. Why do you think there is such a productivity and quality in the country?

I think, in recent years, more than ever, there is a pride that comes along with being a Canadian musician. It’s not something people feel the need to shy away from to ‘make it’ in the States (or anywhere else). It’s like, ‘no, we’re Canadian, and we have the same talent, determination; ability to connect as anyone else’. We want everyone to succeed. It took a few prominent people working extra-hard and passionately to break the status quo for everyone else. It really is a wonderful thing. Given the political climate in the U.S., other countries need to jump on every opportunity to show that inclusivity, connection; unity and peace are the most important things.

Above ‘making it’; above just about everything.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we all catch you play?

I’ll keep you posted.

Will you be coming to U.K. anytime soon?

YES! I don’t have a date set yet, but trust me, I will jump on any opportunity to come visit.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Amanda Marshall - Everybody’s Got a Story

I used to listen to it ALL the time with my mom when I was younger. I hadn’t listened to the album in full in YEARS….but my mom and I listened recently again and we knew every word. Looking back at it, I realized how much it shaped me as both a listener and a writer. Her honesty, story-telling ability; passion…it all pours out through her.  It’s fantastic…and Amanda Marshall is Canadian.

Justin Nozuka - You I Wind Land and Sea

That album got me through the toughest parts of L.A. I remember listening to it over and over (and over) again. I’ll always have a soft spot for it - purely out of thanks for helping me through those moments.

PHOTO CREDIT:  IX Daily

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Channel Orange was my first experience with music that resonated with me on an artistic level. He was so different - and his music captivated me from the moment I heard it. It really made me realize that you can bend the norms and still produce beautiful, relevant; catchy, honest music. It was a feeling more than anything else, and that really captured my attention, both as a listener and an artist.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Don’t get caught up in the hype.

There is SO much more to life than views and followers and branding. YES, those things are important, fun and part of the job but it is so easy to get lost in it. I’m like suuuuuuuper-up-and-coming and I still get caught up in it. As a society, we’re losing our connection to something greater- nature, community; human-to-human vulnerability…and music has the ability to bridge that gap, tap into that.

Fame is fleeting: life is even more fleeting. Enjoy every moment of it - even the 'bad’. That’s where you’ll learn the most. Thank your family and friends for guiding you - even if it was through anger and pain. They taught you strength.

Read a book. Create music with people because they move you. Don’t lose sight of what makes you so perfectly imperfect - that is the zone you want to tap into. That would be my advice. Focus on being the best version of you and you will flourish…and your music will thank you.

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

I’ll be writing music and spending as much time up north as possible.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Everybody’s Got a Story by Amanda Marshall (and if you want to be extra-amazing; post the lyrics, too!)

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Follow Sara Diamond

 Official:

https://www.iamsaradiamond.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/iamsaradiamond/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/saradiamond

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/iamsaradiamond

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/iamsaradiamond/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4azg4dtpH6PiewGHFzQEj0

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2KK3zCAa3eVKm-NqYnmRw

INTERVIEW: JonoJosh

INTERVIEW:

  JonoJosh

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I cannot think of another artist who can say a woman’s…

battle with terminal cancer is the inspiration for their latest song. One Thanksgiving; JonoJosh received a call out of nowhere, asking if he could offer anything (a song or prayer) for the dying woman. She had been given mere weeks to live. Not only did the song reflect that sense of sadness and loss – the woman in question survived a further two years – but it took on new meaning down the line. The Canadian songwriter talks more about the song, Chance, and whether there will be new material soon.

I ask him about future gigs and some of the musicians that have been instrumental to him; some fellow acts he recommends – and why Canada’s musicians are, right now, among the finest out there.

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Hi, JonoJosh. How are you? How has your week been?

This week has been amazing. Thanks for asking!

It’s been thick with studio time - which is my favorite place to be. We've been making some stuff that I'm really excited about. 

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please? 

For sure. We like to call our music ‘Soul-Pop’. It has influence from Gospel, Jazz; R&B but, most importantly, it comes from the heart. Really, our music is art reflecting the world, reflecting art. So, we try to tell stories that may not have been told; give light to ideas that people can relate to.

Whether that means making a track that is meant to make you dance or a track that's meant to make you cry - either way, it's meant to do something.

Chance is your new track. Are you excited it is complete and what do you hope people take from the song?

So excited about it...

Chance is a song about hope. I wrote chance as a prayer, originally, but now I see it more as a mantra. When I listen to this song, it inspires me to fight for things that are important to me - and I hope it does the same for those who listen to it.

I know there is a rather tragic and upsetting tale behind the song. Can you explain where the inspiration came from?

A couple years ago, during Thanksgiving, I got a phone call asking me to pray for this girl who is in her mid-thirties who had just been diagnosed with cancer. My friend told me that this woman only had two weeks to live.

Not knowing this woman, personally, I didn't know what I could do - so I wrote this song. In reality, there are a lot of things that we can do. We can donate to research; we can go and be with the people who are patients. So, this song is about inspiring us to not give up.

The girl who was given two weeks ended up living for two more years.

Chance was completed four years ago – its inspiration passed and its meaning took on new music. Did the tragedy affect you so much – that’s why it was delayed – or did the song need time to evolve and breathe?!

I think the interesting thing about music is that you don't know the effect that it will have on people...

I wrote this song hoping it would help me understand and cope with death and, although I did share it with the family, it felt like a very personal process. But now I think, looking into the world, there are a lot of things worth fighting for that we, as a human race, need to give another chance to - which means that this song is no longer meant to be a personal song: it needs to be heard by anyone who needs another chance.

It took me awhile to realize that.

The video for the song has been completed. Can you reveal a bit about the storyline and what it was like filming?

Because the song is all about supporting each other; I thought it would be poetic to have contact improv. be the basis for the music video. Paul Barton and Jen Li are such amazing artists. Jen’s vitality has always inspired me. (Side note: you should definitely check out Paul’s E.P.). Paul is mainly known for being a producer/musician (he helped produce Andi’s projects) but a lot of people don’t know that he has roots in the Dance scene, as well - so they were my first choice. 

Now for the story of the music video…. 

When conseptualizing this video, I sat down and I realized that most important thing I had to do was convey a feeling of hope. So, having that as basis, I decided to focus on shots that portrait people reclaiming energy from the world - whether it is nature or physically leaning on someone. So, that immediately meant that the backdrop was going to be its own character.

When talking about the location; I knew that I had to use this green space - because there is currently a fight going on for its right to exist. The Castlemore community had an event last weekend raising money to hire a lawyer to keep that area green - and I felt it would be the most fitting to sing this song with that backdrop. The filming process was shockingly easy I mean yes we did have to trudge through some pretty deep woods but I think it was worth it.

The shots that Samuel Dass took were exactly what I was hoping for.

Do you have plans for an E.P. or album in 2018?

We do.

We are currently finishing up a couple more tracks and are hoping to release them very soon. We will be calling it The Freaky Adventures of the Groove…so keep your eyes peeled for that!

How would you say your music has changed since last year’s Change EP? Are you a more confident writer or are you taking in new inspiration?

Being a writer is such an interesting thing because you never fully know when inspiration is going to hit: you just have to write the second that it does and sometimes you have to write - even if it doesn't. This year, I started a songwriters’ night - which artists like Andi, Landon Abram; Flash Teeter and the Men from Mars and one my favorite producers, Sebastien Valiente, attends.

The biggest thing we learned from doing that was that, even if you don't write something great; when you're trying to; sometimes the act of trying to will bring inspiration later. We have written...I have no idea how many songs during those nights this year…and quite a few of them have already been produced by different artists.

I am ecstatic to see what comes of them...

Andi is a songwriter we are both familiar with – I have interviewed her. Is there going to be a collaboration between you two?

It's actually quite funny you ask because Andi just finished my album-art for the E.P. - that Chance is going to be placed on. I am a massive fan of Andi and I am sure that someday soon, in the future, we will release another song together.

But, for all those waiting, there's still Caffeine and Take Down Your Guard available on Apple Music!

Canada is where you are based. What is the country like for a young musician? Is it a good place to develop and showcase your music?

I think Canada is one of the best places to make music because it is a melting-pot for style and originality. Not only that, but there is a sense of camaraderie in the music scene (in Canada). I have had the privilege to perform coast-to-coast and, although all the bands are very different, they all shared that same sense of camaraderie.

IN THIS PHOTO: Andi

Which new artists do you recommend we check out?

There are so many artists that I am a big fan of from Canada - but not just Canada – and from around the world.

Oh goodness…where to begin: Andi, Paul Barton; Moonhead, Monowhales; Unbuttoned, Casey MQ; Tamara Madison, Allie; Bassline...

IN THIS PHOTO: Tamara Madison

What tour dates do you have coming up? Any U.K. dates coming up?

I miss performing in the U.K. so much: I would love to be back.

Currently, I am in rehearsals for Grease Toronto starring the amazing Janel Parrish, Dylan Wallach and Katie Finlay (opening November 9th). The fly-crew is currently planning some shows for early next year.

So, fingers crossed, we can cross the pond!

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Will.i.am - Songs About Girls

That album was so ahead of its time. Now, I keep hearing songs that rip off that album - and no one has a clue. 

Son Lux - Weapons (E.P.)

I know it's just an E.P., but I have to say it, specifically because, Son Lux reinvented the same song so many different ways - and it left you at the edge of your seat the entire time. It's definitely a huge source of inspiration.

Lianne La Havas - Blood

Every song on that album takes me on a journey that I want to relive the second I'm done listening to it. 

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Write, write, write.  

Even if things don't go well the first or tenth time: keep writing. Your art is yours to choose. Don't be defined by cultural definitions of what your music should be. Tell the story in your heart. 

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Christmas is my favorite time of year. My birthday is the 23r December, so that whole week is usually a never-ending amount of music and dancing. Last year’s Christmas, I had the privilege of working with the Pinball Clemons Foundation - to raise funds to build schools in communities that need them. Me and a few other artists got together and made an album to support the cause (What I Love About Christmas is available on iTunes). 

So, here's hoping I get to be a part of something like that again this year!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Tamara Madison’s SELDOM - which I also happen to be listening to right now!

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Follow JonoJosh

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/JonoJoshOfficial/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/jonojosh

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/jonojosh

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jonojosh/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1UfpM2nPD1yXT41UHVNGBl

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xP5EuOe9PZP8otnjoBCvA

INTERVIEW: Pale Seas

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Hollie Fernando  

Pale Seas

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SOUTHAMPTON’S Pale Seas are being tipped as…

PHOTO CREDIT: Denis Forkas Kostromitin

one of the most exciting and unique British guitar bands around. The group – with a line between words; a real bugger to get right on a computer – talk to me about their anticipated album, Stargazing for Beginners. Jacob Scott (singer and guitarist for the band) fields most of the responses and talks about the band’s development and why the band fell off the radar – just as things started to get exciting for them. I ask Scott about the influences of Pale Seas and what is coming in the approaching weeks; whether we can catch them on the road – and how it feels knowing the album is out there.

Someday, the latest single, is out there so I ask what it is about and what it means to them. The band select songs and albums that hit them hard; Scott explains which new artists we should investigate – and what it was like working with Chris Potter and Paul Butler.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey. We’re really good thank you. It’s been a great week so far.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

So. My name’s Jacob Scott. I sing and play the guitar. On electric guitar, we have Graham Poole; on bass is Matthew Bishop - and on drums is Andrew Richardson.

We play music together in a band called Pale Seas. 

The lyric video for Someday is out. Can you tell me about the song and what inspired its creation?

Someday was written over a two-year period and we probably demoed it more than any other song on the record - around one-hundred times in total. It was recorded in three different studios before we finally felt we had the right version - in a medieval abbey on the Isle of Wight.

At its core; it’s an attempt to free myself from the pain of losing someone that I loved - and the struggle I had to accept: the reality of day-to-day life after losing them.

Stargazing for Beginners is your long-awaited debut album. Has it been fun putting it together - or was it quite a challenge?!

I personally would have felt pretty strange if it wasn’t a challenge: it’s one of the things I enjoy most about writing music. In my own experience, the music I like most - and the work I am proudest of creating - has been suffered for.

It doesn’t come easy and there’s always been something quite dark about the thrill of writing those kinds of songs for me.

I believe you were due to release the album a while back and went off the radar. Why did you guys disappear, as it were, and delay the album?!

We wanted to try and make something great - that’s all that’s ever really mattered to us. I feel very proud of us all for making the record we have but we’ve never seen getting an album out as an achievement.

it just had to be great to us...

Does now feel like the perfect time to release it? Do you think the hiatus has been good for your music?

Having the time away has allowed us to create something that reaches the level we set in all of our heads when we first started playing music together. I wouldn’t change a single note on this record. We don’t really pay much attention to how long it takes because people don’t know how long it’s taken when they’re listening to it - they just know if they like it or not. There was no great pressure for a Pale Seas album to come out.

To us, the pressure was making sure that when it did, it was special.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Hollie Fernando

The sounds running through the album is quite dark and deep. How much of that is down to producers Chris Potter and Paul Butler?

I think it needs to be inherent in the music in the first place for it to be enhanced...but, what both Chris and Paul do wonderfully well is frame and define the songs. They have an unbelievable instinct for the scale and emotion too: it just flows through them both.

We love them both so much.

What defines the songs on Stargazing for Beginners? What sort of moments and themes compelled the music?

I think (I thought) if I could show, someone, how much I loved them that they might come back - that’s what I thought this record could do. It’s a document of the way I thought I was navigating a period of my life, but in reality, I had absolutely no control whatsoever.

How did Pale Seas come together? When did you all hook up?

Graham, Matthew and myself met at college in Southampton and Andrew, we met on our first-ever night on tour playing with another band (several years ago). I remember all three of us were watching him play and he was hitting the drums so hard that his kick -rum was moving across was bouncing across the stage.

He had to keep on wrestling it back in time for the chorus…it was incredible.

Give me an insight into the artists you were all raised on? Which musicians and albums did you grow up listening to?

Jacob: There we so many people that influenced my taste when I was little. My mum was, and still is, huge on Marc Bolan and T. Rex - and my dad used to take me to see Dinosaur Jr. whenever they were over here. He turned me on to the Dead Kennedys, The Lemonheads; Nomeansno etc. My grandad used to play me a lot of Eddie Cochrane and Gene Vincent in the car, too. I used to go crazy for that stuff. I remember my uncle was very into Leonard Cohen, The Cure and Van Morrison, as well.

Graham: My mum grew up in Liverpool in the 1960s so there was a lot of The Beatles and The Hollies in the house, too. Then, I got into playing guitar - so it was nothing but Jimi Hendrix for quite a while.

Do you have any future gigs planned? Where can we catch you play?

We’ll be playing our biggest run of shows to date in November:

Thursday 16th - Leicester - The Sound

Friday 17th - Manchester - The Deaf Institute

Saturday 18th - London - Paper Dress Vintage Bar & Botique/London in Stereo

Thursday 23rd - Brighton - The Joker

Friday 24th - Sunderland - Independent 

Saturday 25th - Leeds - High & Lonesome festival

Saturday 25th (late) - Middlesbrough - Westgarth Social Club

Sunday 26th -  Nottingham - The Bodega

Wednesday 29th - Birmingham - The Sunflower Lounge

Thursday 30th - Glasgow - Hug and Pint

IN THIS PHOTO: Goat Girl/PHOTO CREDIT: Charlotte Patmore

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

Alex Burey would probably be top of my list. He writes the most beautiful, delicate; soulful music I’ve heard in years. I’ve fallen in love with every one of his songs...a very special guy.

Goat Girl are really exciting, too (lovely people, as well).

The new Gengahr tune, Carrion, is also really great.

IN THIS PHOTO: Genghar

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

Jacob: It would be Gene Clark – No Other

it still leaves me speechless - and I’ve listened to that record more than any other over the last four years. A beautiful ride.

Graham: Forever Changes by Love - for a couple of reasons.

It was the first time I’d heard so many different styles and elements marry together so seamlessly on one album. It was Psychedelia, Pop; Folk, Rock; Orchestral and Wild West sounds - all rolled into a selection of beautifully written songs. But, mainly, because hearing it for the first time also coincided with me moving to London for the first time - and listening to almost nothing but Love for an entire autumn...so it always puts me on a huge nostalgia trip.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Jacob: Nolan Porter – If I Could Only Be Sure

Graham: Joni Mitchell – Carey

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Follow Pale Seas

 Official:

http://paleseas.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/paleseas/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/paleseas?lang=en

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/paleseas/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BwqDlOuXOJSy9CrvPJQIg

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/paleseas

INTERVIEW: Y.O.U.N.G

INTERVIEW:

 Y.O.U.N.G

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THE guys hail from different and disparate backgrounds…

but Y.O.U.N.G are pulled together by their love of music. Bringing Rock, Punk and Hip-Hop into the mix; they put all this magic and connection into the new single, Exposure. It follows from their tearaway track, What I Gotta Do. I ask the guys about new material and whether we can see more in the future. They talk about their Manchester base and whether there are any U.K. gigs this year – and what plans they have for the coming months.

Exposure looks at cheats and liars so I had to ask whether there was a certain U.S. President that inspired the lyrics. The guys talk about music and albums that are important to them; what advice they’d give new artists – and a special message for their fans.

________

Hi, chaps. How are you? How has your week been?

HEY, there. Things are going great.

Feeling good and working hard on rehearsals! Plus, our single Exposure, had its first major radio-play this week - so we're still on a high. 

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please? 

We are Y.O.U.N.G, from Manchester. There's five of us: Chez (Vocals/Guitar), Ben (Rap/Synths); Jamie (Guitar/Production), Tom (Bass) and Graeme (Drums). Our sound is a fusion; blending the genres of catchy Rock guitar riffs with Hip-Hop processed beats…with hints of Reggae and Ska – and, hopefully, creating something new and fresh! 

Exposure is your new single. Tell me about the song and how it came together? What are the themes and ideas that run through it?  

We're always working hard in the studio and have created loads of songs together -  but this one just stuck out ...

The guitar riff that starts off the song really sets the mood and energy. It's upbeat and in your face and we can't wait to play it live to everyone.

There is a sense that frauds and liars should out themselves, no?! How much of the track is directed at people like Donald Trump? 

When writing the track, we never thought of directing it towards political heads such as Donald Trump. To be honest; this guy gets enough air-time as it is! I wouldn’t say we’re a political band: we will leave all that to the politicians. Haha!

The song mashes the hard edge of Royal Blood and Hip-Hop with a sharp lyrical tongue. Is it hard effortlessly fusing disparate sounds like that?

You'd think so, right!?

It all just seems to come very naturally to us all because we’re all into different music and styles - it just comes together when we’re on stage. For music to progress and find something fresh, it’s all about inspiration from all different aspects of different genres.

Did you all grow up listening to eclectic music? Who are the artists you all look up to?

Our inspirations go from Green Day, Oasis; Newton Faulkner to Loyle Carner; Wu-Tang Clan and OutKast. We like to mix it up on our tour-bus playlist. Haha.

Jamie, our producer, listens to a lot of Electronic-style music, so there’s always a hint of Electronic in the production - but it's also very organic the way we play live and what’s on the records. 

I suppose you all come from different background. How did the band form and how do songs form? Do you all write separately – or do songs come together with all pitching in? 

The band started with Chez, Jamie and Ben doing the main core of writing - and then we added in Tom and Graeme at a later stage. Chez has known Graeme since primary-school and he lives with Tom; so it all fell into place very nicely. We all write together for Y.O.U.N.G and, separately just for fun, we also produce for other artists.

Your fanbase is rising and loyal. How much do they mean to you and what message would you give them? 

Ahhhh, we love the fans! They are actually great they do so much promo for us; send us gifts and (just) continue to put a smile on our face. We're so grateful.

A message to them: “We love you and we can't wait to meet you all on the road in the upcoming months".

What I Gotta Do is your previous song. How much of a difference have you noticed between it and Exposure? 

Not massively, you know. The fans love both songs, as we do. It just recently it got picked up by Radio X - so that's good.

What I Gotta Do was important to us at the time as it really set the precedent of what Y.O.U.N.G is about. It's more focused on processed beats: Exposure is more a (real) live track - in terms of the more Rock live-sounding drums - and the overall retro feel it has. But, all-in-all, there’s not too much difference between them: they both still sound like us!

Can we expect an E.P. this or next year, perhaps?

We're planning to release a few more singles - building up to an album next year. The plan is to release a steady amount of singles and an E.P. leading up to later next year. We’ve been working really hard in the studio the last few months and the ‘album’ - or collection of songs we have now - is something we are super-proud of.

We can’t wait for you guys to hear them!

What other tour dates do you have coming up? Where about are you going to be heading to? 

We're gonna be playing most of the U.K. and branching out to Europe - like Amsterdam, Paris and Germany.

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?  

Chez: Newton Faulkner - Hand Built by Robots

I know every word off by heart and have listened to it over one-hundred times in its entirety.

Jamie: Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers

I grew up listening to this album and loved the simplicity of it.

Ben: Newton Faulkner - Hand Built by Robots

I started listening to this album first when I was travelling and actually sailed around the Great Barrier Reef with Newton's sister - not just her, but she was there. I feel very connected to the words - and his voice is incredible.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

 Don't give up and it takes time to find YOU as an artist. It’s taken us quite a while to really find our sound… but the main word to use is ‘PATIENCE’!  

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working? 

We all love Christmas: it's the best time of the year. I think Jamie's heading to New York so that will be alright. Haha!

How do you spend your time away from music? Do you all have hobbies? 

Chez: Football and the gym is a passion of mine and, if I'm not doing, that I’m'quite happy sitting at home stroking the cats. Haha.

Jamie: I like to travel in my spare time. I love visiting new cities, new countries (and discovering different cultures)!

Ben: I like to read books about energy and positivity: try to work on becoming zen. 

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Stacy's Mom - Fountains of Wayne 

Arctic Monkeys - When the Sun Goes Down

Novo Amor - Carry you 

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Follow Y.O.U.N.G

  Official:

http://www.young-official.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/YOUNGofficialuk

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/YOUNGofficialuk

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrg3_40ceKl0IEcFeUlwM1Q

INTERVIEW: Tom Dibb

INTERVIEW:

 Tom Dibb

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FEW artists have the story and back-history…

of Tom Dibb. In his trust campervan, ‘Pickle’, he embarked on a long tour of Australia and it seems appropriate, given a song-title like Hit the Road, some of that should be unveiled. In fact; that song is actually about something deeper and more common – Dibb explains the song’s origins and what his new album, Ground, Up, is all about.

Dibb talks about upcoming gigs and the albums that have impacted him most; how he transitioned from a job in London to a life in music – and where things go from here…

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Hi, Tom. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! Not too shabby, thanks.

We’ve been sending signed C.D.s out to all those who preordered the new album - and plugging the new tunes off at the moment. We’re also busy booking a tour for the New Year.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Tom Dibb: singer-songwriter; campervan-dweller. I’ve been on the road for the most part of five years and it all began as a means to make a living doing what I love doing - and having a general appreciation for outdoor life and adventuring.

Hit the Road is out there. Can you talk about the song’s creation/origins?

I wrote Hit the Road a couple of years into van-life; having realised that, once we strip ourselves back to basics, most of us are far more capable than we give ourselves credit for. When we don’t have the means to pay - or rely on other people to do things for us - we can learn and evolve. We can break the mould; realise born-given potential and claim independence.

That’s what Hit The Road is all about.

It seems appropriate given your gigantic trek to Australia in your camper van! You were in ‘Pickle’ for fourteen months. What was the reason behind this mammoth feat?!

I wanted to branch out and get my songs heard across the globe...but in my own way.

I wasn’t prepared to take the route of T.V. talent shows or endless hours of social media. I’m at my best - and happiest - when I’m playing my tunes to people right there in front of me. For years, people said: “Tom.. you should be on the East coast of Oz: you’d go down so well there”. I figured it was about time I went to see. I’d drive U.K- to-Australia; playing in every country; everywhere I could en route - and use social media as a tool to share what I discover along the way.

I’d been touring the V.W. festival circuit for a couple of years when I started planning the tour - and had grown quite a following in that community because of ‘Pickle’ - so she had to be the bus that I would take across the globe.

Together, we would combine music, travel and experience new cultures…all into one epic tour. A Pickle Down Under was born.

What did you learn from your time on the road and is Melbourne, where you ended up, somewhere you can see yourself going back to?

I’ve learnt so much during my time on the road, and continue to every day, but if I were to shortlist some things learnt during the tour, they’d be:

1.  You never know what’s around the corner: everything can change in a spark.

2.  You don’t need to share a language in order to communicate. I got by with scraps of language when needed but I enjoyed the company of people - who became great friends with none at all. Music can also bridge gaps between people with social and cultural differences.

3.  I can give you a list as long as your arm about mechanical bits. I learnt to fix on a 1989 V.W. T25.

4.  You can surf on the Black Sea.

5.  Eating is not always a pleasant experience…

I can certainly see myself and the boys in the band returning to Melbourne - and all of Australia - to be honest. The original music scene there is thriving and a whole lotta fun - and with such a gigantic land-mass; there’s so much left to explore…

You visited lots of other nations. What were your favourite memories and tell me about some of the experiences you had on the road?

Some of my fondest memories are those of meeting new folk, who would become friends, and experiencing the most incredible hospitality from strangers.

One that comes to mind is when I’d just arrived in Georgia - without Pickle - as she was on a ship full of military cargo crossing the Black Sea. Foot passengers were a not allowed on board. On arriving at the airport in Georgia, I sat down at the laptop to plan the details of my next move. Two guys had already tried to hurry me off in a taxi to the best hotel in town (I didn’t get a good vibe from them) - when an older gent with a calm air about him approached me.

His name was David and, with no real understanding of one another’s language, I established he was telling me his house was 500 meters from where we were. He invited me to eat, drink and rest with his family. I trusted him and, within minutes, I was hanging out with the local men (his friends) in the village centre; drinking homebrew, eating smoked cheese; sharing tobacco and laughs.

I explained to David’s daughter (who spoke some English) that I needed to be in a place further north called ‘Poti’ the next day to collect my van at the port. She told me that her father (said he) would take me there and help me to find the van.

The following day, David drove me the whole 70-K.M. trip to Poti - and would not leave my side until we found someone at the port that spoke English and could assist me. On parting, David gestured that, once I had Pickle, back I should return to his home to stay with them again - and that I did. I played them a few songs in their home as a small thank you gesture - feeling a bit bowled over by their generous spirit and immense hospitality.

I experienced many instances of such friendly human spirit during my time on the road and have many stories of peoples generosity and hospitality in the most unexpected places.

Other experiences included isolation on the road. Not seeing anyone for days, and embracing being alone while surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes, gets a whole different set of brain cells ticking. (When I had just entered Kyrgyzstan Pickle and I climbed the Otmok Pass; 3326 meters above sea-level and camped out up in the snow - having spent the previous night in the desert). When night fell, the wind dropped and it was silent: the moon and stars reflected off the snow, lighting up the landscape. I cooked, sipped on snow-chilled vodka and thought myself to sleep.

An hour or so after dropping off, I heard a rustling from outside. I had left some tins in a bag, under the van, rather than on the roof-rack - as I was not expecting much wildlife this high up. When I opened the sliding door; I saw a mountain fox disappear into the white. Being this close to a creature, that survives in such a harsh environment, was pretty special.

Ground, Up, your album, was released later last month. What themes and topics inspired the album?

Ground, Up is inspired by a lot of themes that, all together, tell a story of development and learning. There are points-of-view from my life a few years ago in London - relationship experiences, self-battles in times of personal change; thoughts on political climates, paths of discovery and tales from the road.

You used to work in London doing a regular job. Was there that moment you had enough and had to get out? What was the final realisation/point that you knew music was a better path?

The six-month stepping-stone of a job had turned in to a six-year one; attempting to build some form of musical career alongside. I was doing some gigs with one of the coffee shop companies and took a couple of weeks’ holiday to do a south-west coastal tour of them. I’d had ‘Pickle’ for a few years already and, so, I packed her up with the necessary gear for gigging and we set off to the coast.

I started off in Brighton and continued west; busking in-between cafe gigs and occasionally hitting-up impromptu opportunities to play my songs in harbor-town pubs. Just over half-way into the tour; I thought about how long I had before I was back at work – and, while doing so, I also thought about what I was doing. I was having a blast; sharing my music; meeting new people, making new opportunities; camping out in my van and making enough money to keep myself going.

I never went back to my old life in London…and that was almost six years ago.

Who are the musicians that inspired you when you were younger?

My old dear used to listen to Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading. I still listen to them today so I guess that’s the earliest: moving on to Bob Marley, Counting Crows; David Gray in my early-to-mid-teens and then Jack Johnson; Ben Harper and John Butler in my late-teens/early-twenties when I really started writing.

It seems, given the year you have had, there must be more material in your mind! Are you thinking ahead to another album/E.P.?

Absolutely. The Chapel Dog Records team, the boys in my band and I have already started recording the next E.P./album - and I’m working on a few fresh ideas, now. We’re looking at getting back into the studio January 2018 - for a potential spring release.

We’ll see how the tunes go…

IN THIS PHOTO: Craig Atkins

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

There’s quite a few Australian artists I met over there that are certainly worth a look.

Mr. Craig Atkins toured with us on percussion but is an awesome multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.

Tristan O’Meara makes didgeridoos and sings with a rare passion on songs with a Roots, Folk and Blues flavour.

Phil & Tilly - from the Isle of Wight - currently tour the East Coast as an acoustic duo, Upright Bass - guitar and awesome harmonies giving Byron Bay a taste of U.K. Surf-Folk.

This dude’s not new by any means but he took me under his wing - and if you like a dirty Blues with a husky Tom Waits-kinda vocal then The Mason Rack Band are a must-see. Awesome musicians; wicked-cool guys and man do they put on a show.

Do you have gigs coming up? Where can we come and catch you play?

In late-Jan/early-Feb 2018; my band and I will be out touring the new album, Ground Up. We’re currently booking gigs from Leeds down to London, including the 1st Feb at Mr Wolfs (Bristol) and 8th Feb at The Stables (Milton Keynes).

As for the rest of this year; I’m keeping it close to friends and family and getting my feet back on familiar ground. I’ll be hitting the streets busking - and the markets. I’ll be playing at Knebworth’s Christmas fair on the 12th November in Hertfordshire - amongst other dates (for a full gig-list, see my website: www.tomdibb.com).

I’ll be doing a few little old pub shows too - to enjoy an English run-up to Christmas.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Counting Crows - August and Everything After

I was given this album at a pivotal point in my life and, somehow, it made things make sense. It will always resonate with me…

Natty - Man Like I

I bought this album the summer I went off on that cafe tour (that changed my life).

Incubus - Morning View

I was seventeen when I got in my first band, ‘Kipdenooi’ influenced by Incubus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Those were my first writing days - and a couple of the best years of my life so far. If it wasn’t for that band, I wouldn’t be doing what I am now.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

It all depends on what you’re doing it for.

If you’re in it for the same reasons as I am, then be yourself; take influence but never feel the need to replicate. Keep pushing on: there will be good and bad times throughout but that’s what makes it real. Trust your gut. It’ll take a while to learn how to do this (I still am) but it’s always right once you can differentiate some instincts and feelings from others.

Play as much as you can. The more you play, the more opportunities will arise.

Christmas is approaching. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

Yeah. We’ll be working as usual. Christmas is the private party season for me - and playing those is always a hoot.

There are some Christmas-fair gigs on the run-up to the festivities - and the boys and I are playing New Years’. Other than that; it’ll be preparations for the New Year and enjoying a few days with friends and family…good-old English Christmas-style.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Keb' Mo' - Victims of Comfort

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Follow Tom Dibb

  Official:

http://www.tomdibb.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TomDibbMusic

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/tomdibb

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ColinResponseTO/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/tom-dibb

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kLlLb40Y4Z3EFG87DEyl5

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtV1fUuOINdl-xl8uIAEwUQ

INTERVIEW: ColinResponse

INTERVIEW:

 ColinResponse

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IT has been fascinating finding out about…

Toronto’s ColinResponse. The name alone beckons intrigue but the man is dashing, compelling and a fascinating interviewee – someone who, as you will note, does not skimp on answer-detail! I ask him about his self-titled E.P. and comparisons to Bruno Mars and André 3000. He talks more about his five-piece band and what the music scene is like in Toronto – and what tour dates he has coming up.

ColinResponse is a hot name in music with a rich and film-worthy past. I ask him about his influences and when music arrived in his life; what advice he would give new songwriters – and whether he will have some time to chill at Christmas.

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Hi, ColinResponse. How are you? How has your week been?

Man, I’m great.

My week has been a whirlwind. You know; I don’t know when one week begins and the other ends. People are like, “How is your weekend?” and I’m like “It’s not a weekend really: more like a week-continue” (laughs). But I’m doing great. Staying focused, praying; meditating - keeping my mind aligned for everything that is to come.

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is ColinResponse. I’m a Pop-Soul artist from Toronto, Canada. I love music; I love people and I love what I do. Every day’s a journey and I’m excited to have more people involved in this journey - to go along with me.

Your eponymous E.P. is out on 27th October. It seems romance and relationships are at the heart of the work. How important was passion and love to the song’s best moments?

Wow.

Not to say it doesn’t exist in some brief instances of the work, however, I should make it clear that for certain: love passion and relationships are at the heart of the work (but romance is not).

With that being said, aren’t relationships at the heart of everyone’s work?! I feel like, whether it’s between someone or something, everything that we experience and share (as artists) is something that (is of) an expression and experience of one’s relationship- whatever the subject matter may be. So, if you ask how important passion and love was to my songs’ best moments, I would say it is of significant importance.

There are certain songs that particularly speak to romantic situations without a doubt. Some unrequited; however, some songs - like Something About Your Love, for example - you’ve just chosen to interpret it as romantic - when that song isn’t about anyone at all: it’s actually about my love and appreciation for music.

But that kinda further exemplifies my point: that everything we write is about relationships; whether it is about romance or not. I’ve left enough open in my music for listeners to interpret it as it best suits them. 

How important is it to you that the E.P. brings people together? Do you hope, through your music, there will be a sense of unity?

I don’t hope for anything - I never hope for anything...

I made a decision, some time ago, when I heard the infamous quote “Hope for everything, expect nothing” that I would live my life by the opposite. So, I “hope for nothing; expect everything”.  I’ll paraphrase by saying, when you hope for something, you can sit there without taking action. But, when you expect something, you can only expect it when you give reason to expect it - which means you must take action. So, I expect there will be a sense of unity and I expect to bring people together - because that was my intention - whether that be through the lyrics; whether that be through the way people feel or whether that be through anything for that matter.

But, what I do know is that I spent a significant amount of time ensuring there is congruence between what I am sharing and how I am sharing it - and that there’s a congruency between not only the music and the lyrics but (between) the song as a whole and myself as an artist…and, furthermore, congruence between myself as an artist and what I wish to express for the outside world to see.

So…I truly do have faith that my music and this album will bring people together….

You came second on Shaw TV and Fontana North's Urban Star televised talent search competition and first in the industry-vetted and fan-driven Hennessy Artistry's International Talent Quest. She Dances in the Rain beat some heavy competition, there. How important have those experiences been and what is it about your music, do you think, that makes it so easy to connect with?!

What is it that makes my music so easy to connect with? I should ask you! (laughs). I’m just making music that is honest, you know?!

I’m making music that expresses my intent and I spent a lot of time to ensure that I do that.  I’ve also spent a lot of time in general working on my skills regarding communication with others. That doesn’t mean I’m the best writer in the world - and I don’t even mean artistic writing - I mean just general writing; but I have spent a lot of time making sure that I do my best when it comes to not just delivering a message, but ensuring that the person on the other side understands the message.  I feel so many people confuse communicating with ‘saying what you mean’ – it’s not.

Communicating is ensuring that the person on the other end understands what you intended for them to understand (regardless of how clear you may think you are). I feel like I’ve done my best to do that through my music, harmonically and melodically – not just the lyrics. I did that by making sure I focused on conveying the message musically first, before even thinking about including the lyrics...because I believe they shouldn’t be delivering the message: they should only be reinforcing the message that my music delivers, or I’m not doing justice to the music.

Some people work the opposite way around, too, and have their music reinforce the lyrics - but there’s no magic formula. As long as it accomplishes the objective, then we good.

 PHOTO CREDIT: @philsphotocanada

Your music has been compared with the likes of Bruno Mars and André 3000. Are those artists you follow or do you want to be valued in your own right?

Well, I would go as far as to say that they’re not exclusionary: you could both follow them and be valued in your own right. I think it would be unrealistic to believe that both those artists, Bruno and André, didn’t have artists that inspired them – yet, we see them as artists in their own right. Personally, I’m a huge Bruno fan. I’m constantly impressed by him as a songwriter, producer and, most significantly, by the way he connects to his audience as a performer and artist as a whole. André is also dope but, to be honest, I never really knew André 3000 until really later on. When I was releasing some of my earliest music, I heard a lot of people saying that I reminded them of Andre and I was like, “Cool. I don’t really know much about the guy” (at least I didn’t think I did).

After looking back, I discovered there were tons of songs by him that I knew and loved as a kid - but I didn’t even know it was him or OutKast. They were just popular songs at the time. I was never an active music listener so a lot of my Pop influences came from what was in my environment. Now, knowing so much more about him, I think it’s interesting and I certainly see the similarities in the energy; the quirk and the fun he has in his music and his performance.

Looking back on your career – and where you are now - what is your favourite memory from your time in music?

NOW.

Every day, I pray and meditate and I reflect on the past - the recent-past; I reflect on the day before. As I reflect, I see so many amazing things happening. I have been working hard and I’ve been putting a lot of time and effort to get to this point and – so, it’s exciting (every day) seeing how the day before brought me to the place I am today…and, so, I’m grateful for all of that - and I feel like I will continue to be so.

Toronto is home. It seems the city is sporting so many interesting artists. What is it about the area that means we are seeing such a range of brilliant musicians emerge?

I tell you what I believe it is: it’s not just Toronto but it is the G.T.A. (Greater Toronto Area): all the suburbs surrounding Toronto - i.e. Mississauga, Brampton; Scarborough...

Around fifteen-to-twenty-five years ago, all of these places developing around Toronto, and of course Toronto included, I feel were home to so many families – and so many people whose parents came from other places wanted to give their children a better life than they themselves had. Now, when people mention the areas around Toronto (Scarborough, Mississauga; Brampton...) - if you’re Canadian - you have an impression about those places. But, back then, when I was growing up, there was no reputation or expectation per se.  

I feel like so many people were being brought up in an environment where there was no ceiling on their imagination, you know. There wasn’t this idea that ‘if you were here, you were this’.
Canada is a young country and it’s also filled with multiculturalism – more particularity, Toronto. So, you’re getting people from around the world whom have a nature of fighting and looking to make the best of what they have.

When you have all these types of people from cultures around the world - all localized in one place - you better believe that their children are going to share similar attributes - or that those parents are going to instill the same values into their children. They came here wanting their children to live a better life than they had or to have better opportunities than they had. I feel like (that) the spirit of a belief that ‘you’re here for something great’ really shines through these artists and athletes that come out from the city and the surrounding areas.

One of the most powerful things in the world is the freedom and openness of the mind. At such an early age, when you’re put in an environment where there is no pre-conceived notion designed influence your behavior, all that is left is for you is to imagine where and what it is that you want to be. That’s why you see these pro basketball players, pro football players; musicians, actors...coming out of this small city.  The population of California is larger than Canada – one state has more people than our entire country. Yet; you keep seeing people pop out of here - that’s not a coincidence. It has become a breeding-ground for it - and I genuinely believe that’s why…
 

Listening to your music and it seems you were raised on an eclectic collection of artists. Who were the big acts you held dear when you were younger?

There were specific artists, to be honest. I know a lot of people were raised on different bands and stuff like that but the people who influenced me most…

Number one, Michael Jackson. No questions asked; 10/10; would listen to again, because he influenced both my songwriting and performance. The other people on par with influencing me, musically, are Nobuo Uematsu (植松 伸夫) and Koji Kondo (近藤 浩治). Both (of the latter) are video-game composers. I bought my first album for myself when I was eighteen or nineteen. Everything before that point I consumed by proxy of where I was - whether that was playing video-games, simply hearing the music blasting from my sister’s room or being in my basement when my dad was listening to Jazz, Reggae or Motown.

I am a product of my environment: I did play a lot of video-games and I do still love orchestrated music and Pop music  – very carefully, all those things have combined themselves into what it is you hear today.

I want to talk about the five-piece band that performs with you. How did you meet the musicians you play with and what is it like touring with them?

I met them at school; I went to school for music...

Over the eight years that I’ve been doing this; my team has had several reincarnations - as we continue to elevate what we are doing. People started to fall off; people decided they were going to move to their own path for their own particular reasons and, also, people, who were more aligned with our vision as a team, started to surface. There’s actually only one member of my band who has been playing with me since my very first show - and that’s Brian Dhari, my sax player. It’s been almost a decade of us doing this. 

The team’s strong and the team’s tight: everybody has a great level of care, compassion and emotional intelligence - I couldn’t be happier, honestly.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we see you play?

Well. We just finished a campus tour and it was crazy. Our next priority, right now, is the album release on the 27th Getting close to that date, we’ll be booking some more shows. So, if you wanna know where and when we’re playing, you can join our fan list…that’s where we do all our announcements: new videos,  new music; show dates and stuff like that. So, hit up: http://Fans.ColinResponse.com.

Are there any big plans before the year is through? Will you have a chance to chill before Christmas or are you pretty full-on until then?

(Chuckles) “Chill”... yeah, the only ‘chilling’ I’ll be doing is freezing my ass off when winter hits (laughs). It’s gonna be full-on; been doing a lot of work up to this point in time and, with the album releasing at the end of October, I’ll be pushing really hard throughout that time - and it’s gonna be a lot of work. It’s gonna be a lot of playing and a lot of planning for the future.

IN THIS PHOTO: Daniel Caesar

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Sheiz! Daniel Caesar. But, I feel like I can’t even say that anymore because I feel that everyone’s hearing him so much now, that it’s not really warranted for me to share anymore (laugh).

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

I’m gonna say, number-one, is Michael Jackson: Off the Wall

That record reminds me of my father: it’s the first record he’s ever shared with me.

The next one is gonna be Bob Marley and The Wailers: Legend

One of my best friends in middle-school bought that for me on my birthday - we had the same birthday. I wonder if I even got him anything...I probably did but his gift was certainly better and of greater significance.  

The final is going to be the original soundtrack to Final Fantasy XII, composed by Nobuo Uematsu.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

Am I qualified to give advice at this point?! Sure! (chuckles).

Well, here it is: some people say “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”; however, my mentor once told me: “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows what you need”. So, I encourage you to be open and ask for help: also, be willing to help. Remember: all these greats that we see did not do it alone, although the media makes it look like that; they all have a strong team behind them: a team of people who are just as skilled as them at what they do.

All these people working in-tandem are what enables that person - in the public’s eye - to raise to the level that they do (they’re held up by so many people. The only other thing left to share is that (there are) only three things that you need: Persistence, Consistency and Optimism. If you have those three things, your success is an inevitability.  So just remember: to ask for help, and throughout your journey, to be persistent and to be consistent and to be optimistic.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

My song choice is to further emphasise my previous statement - that you need only three attributes to find your own personal success:

Stay persistent, consistent and optimistic under all circumstances; regardless of what anyone else says. You need only these three things…Nothing Else…

Gatekeeper - Jessie Reyez

__________

Follow ColinResponse

  Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ColinResponseTO

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ColinResponseTO/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ColinResponseTO/

Spotify:

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YouTube:

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INTERVIEW: Cub Sport

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Jennifer Embelton

 Cub Sport

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I was not aware of the stories and emotions that infuse…

Cub Sport’s new album, BATS. Tim, the band’s lead, talks about how factors like his coming out affected some of the moments you hear – Chasin’ was the first song penned after that revelation. He talks to me about his relationship with band-mate Bolan (Sam); how the Brisbane gang got together – and how the music has developed since the early days.

I ask whether Cub Sport are coming to the U.K. and what the remainder of the year has in store; whether there is a song from the album that stands out in the heart – and how it feels knowing the band’s music translates (and is loved) around the world.

________

Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! Doing well, thank you!

My week is off to a good start. Just hanging out at home with my dogs Missy and Evie; listening to music; catching up on emails - chatting to you!

PHOTO CREDIT: @jameshmatthews

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name’s Tim - I’m the lead singer/songwriter in Cub Sport. We’re an independent Pop group from Brisbane, Australia.

Our music is dreamy/warm/chill-Pop with some R&B/Soul influences.

Can I ask about the band-name, ‘Cub Sport’? Is there a particular story behind that choice?

When we launched the band back in 2011, we were called ‘Cub Scouts’ but, after receiving a legal letter from Scouts Australia, we swapped out ‘Scouts’ for ‘Sport’!

We ran through hundreds of different options - but 'Sport' felt like the right vibe.

O Lord is your new single and pretty beautiful. Tell me how it came together and what the background is?

The recording process for O Lord was really spontaneous - I just opened up a recording session, pressed record and started singing into the mic. I followed the vibe from the intro; recorded in the synths and developed it further. This song really came to life when we developed it in the studio with John Castle. He pulled out (all of these) drum loops he had archived from the 1990s; cut them up and built the beat that you hear throughout the choruses/verse. It’s the perfect balance of a chilled vibe but with a certain exciting energy to it.

It took writing and recording O Lord for my own feelings to really make sense to me. I wrote it a few months after coming out - it was a really intense time of blended emotions of joy and fear - I was finally in a relationship with the love of my life and it felt like I suddenly had everything – but, what I didn’t expect, was the feeling of then having everything to lose.

It’s a confusing combination of feelings to convey but this song brought some clarity to what I was experiencing.

The track has gained coverage from sources in Australia and the U.K. Is it quite humbling knowing your music is connecting with reviewers/journalists?

The response has been so encouraging.

I felt quite exposed releasing this song and sharing the context around it - but the way people have empathised and connected with it has been really special. 

I believe Chasin’, the next single, is coming soon. What is the story of that song and is there a reason Cub Sport are so productive right now?

Yes! Chasin’ feels like the start of the BATS story - it was one of the first songs I wrote that made it onto the album. I wrote it after coming to the realisation that I was in love with my best friend/band-mate Bolan (Sam). I had been away on a writing trip and missed Bolan a lot - I realised that I didn’t want to spend a single day of my life without him.

I had barely admitted to myself that I was gay - so there was a lot to work through. It felt like my life was kind of all over the place and I didn’t know what I was chasing in life or why - writing this song was a pivotal first step in being honest with myself and figuring it all out. 

As for our productivity; I guess I write songs to process whatever I’m going through. When I’m writing/recording, I’m never in the mindset of ‘okay, I need to write a song’. I kind of (just) try to let my feelings flow - and I find that I’ve been more productive since becoming comfortable with this process.

BATS is the new album. Give me an insight into the types of stories and events that go into the album? I believe an inter-band relationship/love inspired one song?

A large portion of BATS is based around the development of my relationship with Bolan.

It starts at Chasin’ - which is when I started to acknowledge that I was gay and in love with Bolan - to processing those feelings (Look After Me); to finally acknowledging the situation a year later (Crush) and then coming out and getting together (Bats, Solo II and Banyo Blue).

The development of our relationship, in conjunction with the overarching feelings of uncertainty that have surrounded me throughout most of my adult life, resulted in an inspired, emotionally-heightened time in my life.

I feel like I’ve been able to channel that into this album. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Savvy Creative

Is there a song from the album you all hold dearest? Which is the one that means most to you all?

Bats is a really special one for me...

I feel like it captures the warmth and energy of being in love - and I’ll be able to relive this exciting time forever through this song, in particular. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Rovel Hagos

Your music has evolved since 2016’s This Is Our Vice. Have there been big sonic and creative shifts in the band? Do you think you have got more confident since then?

Yeah, there definitely has been a big shift!

I recorded and produced a lot of BATS at home - and I was much more meticulous about making sure the way the songs sound made me feel the way I knew they needed to. I’ve become more confident in my recording/production skills (though I’ve got a long way to go).

I’ve learned to trust how I’m feeling and use that as a guide.

Brisbane is where you are based. What is the city like for new musicians?

Brisbane’s a friendly place for new musicians.

I feel like there are plenty of opportunities to play and get experience. When we recorded our first demos; Bolan and I drove around handing our demo C.D.s out to every single venue in Brisbane - and that’s pretty much how we started getting gigs.

What tour dates do you chaps have coming up? Are you coming to the U.K. at any point?

We’re touring Australia in Feb./March 2018. We’re just locking away some U.S. dates - and we’re in the planning stages for a visit to the U.K. in 2018, too!

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

E^ST’s new single, Life Goes On, is so beautiful!

I also loving Kllo’s song, Dissolve – super-emotive Pop!

Also loving how chill King Krule’s Czech One is!

If you had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would it and why?

Frank Ocean – Blonde

It came out just after Bolan and I got together - and has become a really significant marker of that time for us (especially Solo). We’ve given each other Solo tattoos and there’s a song on BATS called Solo III - that is based around the significance of that song for us.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

Follow your vision and don’t be discouraged if not everybody gets it. Stay true to yourself and believe in yourself!

PHOTO CREDIT: Samuel Neil

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

We’ll be at home with our families - and dogs - for Christmas!

We’re playing a festival called Beyond the Valley over New Year’s, which should be super fun. Schoolboy Q and Mura Masa are playing too - so we’re super-excited to catch them.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rovel Hagos

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

It’s just me…so I’ll choose four songs for ya?

E^ST - Life Goes On

Frank Ocean – Lens

Pool Shop - Can You Dream

HTMLflowers (ft. Banoffee) - Chrome Halo

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Follow Cub Sport

PHOTO CREDIT: Savvy Creative 

Official:

http://www.cubsport.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CubSport/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cubsportmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cubsport/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6vqMDhoigg5btfdPsPTVFt

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/cubsport

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/timnelsonmusic

INTERVIEW: Josh Wheatley

INTERVIEW:

 Josh Wheatley

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IN an age where we are provided too much…

choice in regards which artists we listen to: there is something instant and unflinching about Josh Wheatley. The twenty-one-year-old Nottingham-based artist cuts through the misty confusion and illuminates the path with a crystal voice and sumptuous warmth. I speak to Wheatley about his new single, Chemicals, and what inspired the song. He discusses Nottingham and what the music scene is like there; if more material is due – and how his family guided his love of music.

I ask him about touring and what dates he has coming up; the albums he holds dearest – and whether each single he released (Chemicals is his third) improves and evolves.

________

Hi, Josh. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello. I’m good, thanks! Not too bad…

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Josh. I write Indie/Pop music – sometimes, with a brooding twist.

Chemicals is your new track. Can you give me some details about its creation and crystallisation?

Chemicals is a song I’ve had for a few years...

I’d already produced my own demos, and even worked with someone on it, but shelved the song because I was never happy with it. It was only going in to work with Al Groves, and he sat down and listened to a bunch of my demos, when he picked out Chemicals (out of twenty/thirty songs).

It frames your angelic and unique voice. How easy/hard was it getting your voice like that? Which singers did you look up to as a youngster?

Too kind, thank you!

Erm…for me, it just took practice. I remember hearing people like Justin Vernon sing for the first time and it absolutely blew my mind – but, in reality, for me; my voice broke quite late on in my teenage years. 

Was your household, as a child, filled with great music? What sounds/albums were you exposed to?

Not to sound ungrateful to my parents, but it didn’t exactly shape my music taste.

My dad is a big fan of the band ABBA and Gospel music. The only thing I picked up from my mum was her like for James Morrison and Jamie Cullum. I remember hearing All at Sea - around the age of ten - marveling in the mellow quality of the record.

As a child, I was the least musical. My brother started playing guitar at age eight: I only discovered I could sing when I was forced to do so at school.

Chemicals is your third single. Are you noticing evolution and change with every new release?

Sort of…

I try not to think about that too much. I think each song speaks for itself - and that’s how I’d rather think about it. They’re each a different beast to me - and have all come from different places.

Will an E.P. or album be arriving next year, would you say?

Most definitely not an album, YET: maybe an E.P. - but I’ve already planned out the next single.

Nottingham is your base. What is the city like for new music and opportunities?

I’m not sure where I’d (necessarily) be if it weren’t for living in Nottingham.

The first show I went to see was Dry the River when I was fifteen (at Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms). D.I.D (formerly known as Dog Is Dead) played as a surprise support. I’d never heard of them before and their set was incredible! They opened my eyes to the music scene in Notts. and how much vibrancy there is.

Your music has been played by some great stations and sources. How does that make you feel? Is it important having the likes of Janice Long (BBC Radio 2) support your music?

It’s always nice to have the support of someone like that. It makes making music easier when you’re nervous - and you think there’s no-one out there listening.

If you could formulate your own festival and could choose three headline acts of the moment – which artists would you put at the top of the bill?

No doubt about it; it’s got to be:

The National

Ryan Adams

Death Cab for Cutie

IN THIS PHOTO: Anteros

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

Super-into Anteros at the moment. I had the insane opportunity to open for them the other week and they’re THE nicest people.

Only today found an awesome band called Now, Now. Their song, SGL, is massive!

Phoebe Bridgers’ new album is incredible.

IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Bridgers

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

This is a really difficult question…

The National - Sleep Well Beast

Recently, this album has been permanently wedged in my head. To me, this album proves the resilience and work-ethic of bands.

David Gray - White Ladder

It’s an album that opened my eyes to singer-songwriters who use electronic elements. I had the opportunity to see David play at Cadogan Hall in December last year - and he was in phenomenal form.

Dry the River - Shallow Bed

For me, this album started everything. I first heard Shaker Hymns and (just) had to buy the album.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Play as many shows as you can.

Christmas is approaching. Do you have plans already or will you be busy working?

I'm in the middle of arranging a show (to play) near Christmas, which will hopefully be announced soon. Also, I’m working on the next single (for next year).

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

The National - Day I Die

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Follow Josh Wheatley 

 Official:

http://joshwheatley.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/joshwheatleymusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/joshisok

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3KDfQlQKgUAOF1nlaQwN1X?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/joshisok

INTERVIEW: Brian El Dorado and The Tuesday People

INTERVIEW:

 Brian El Dorado and The Tuesday People

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ONE does not encounter a seven-piece…

In music but, when you do, it is always an experience! I speak to Brian El Dorado and The Tuesday People’s leader about music in Melbourne and how he got the band together. He speaks about the new album, Wildfire, and inspiration behind some of the songs; the artists the band are compelled by – and whether the band members all grew up in musical households.

I learn more about a unique musical force and one that is preparing to take the music world by storm! El Dorado tells me about future gig plans; whether the guys are coming to the U.K. – each member chooses a song that is especially personal to them.

________

Hi, Brian. How are you? How has your week been?

Fantastic! I’m on an airplane, now, flying home after a great pre-tour holiday on the Sunshine Coast (Australia).

Been fishing, boating; swimming and chilling - even practising a little for the tour; singing in the shower.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am Brian El Dorado; band-leader of The Tuesday People. I am the main songwriter, rhythm guitarist and singer. I organise the band; do all the nitty-gritty and bring the show together.

Before we go on; I have to ask about the name ‘Brian El Dorado and The Tuesday People’. It has a bit of a cult vibe to it. Who came up with the name and is there any special meaning behind it?

I came up with it - or it came up with me.

I am hoping we can also get a bit of a cult following. My wife grew up in a cult so, yeah, maybe I am the cult leader - although; one wife is enough for me. L.o.L.!

‘El Dorado’ is a reflection on the city-of-gold-myth. ‘The Tuesday People’ stems from a book I read once. It’s about making the most of every moment and living your life aligned with your highest calling.

The band is a seven-piece. How did you all get together? How long did it take to get that bond and brotherhood cemented?

The band started as a four -piece on the first album but we hired some horn players on a few tracks. I really dug the vibe with the brass, so for this album, Wildfire, we got the horns in on every song. We also got Adam Rudegeair in on the keys - which has been fantastic as he is an extremely versatile virtuoso player. Having Adam and Kumar Shome on lead guitar is a real powerhouse solo section.

Pretty much everyone who plays in The Tuesday People is actually Jazz-trained and heavy-hitting on the Melbourne scene. It is a lot of work juggling seven players for rehearsals and gigs but we pull it off with our mutual love of music and performance. It’s not a real egotistical band. It’s more about the music and just having a good time.

Underneath that, of course, it is (just) pure expression. The best place to be: in the moment and on breath, sound and rhythm.

Melbourne is your base. How good and productive is the scene like there right now?

Melbourne is a buzzing music and art metropolis...

It is thriving and full of musical diversity. This can be seen and heard live any night of the week. For instance; two weeks ago, I went and saw a band perform in an African restaurant with about thirty punters. That band consisted of the keyboard player and bassist from Hiatus Kaiyote. The last time I saw these guys was at BluesFest with 15,000 people in front of them.

So, yeah, that is what I am talking about. It is crazy how much music there is here - that was a Sunday night!

Wildfire is your latest L.P. What does the title symbolise and what kind of subjects inspired the songs?

The title was based upon the fire that is in us all: the same fire that comes from the core of the Earth. It is about a hunger that is different than being hungry for food or desire: it is a soul hunger; a soul fire. Do not get me wrong…we are not arsonist! It also seems to have something to do with a reoccurring dream I have about wildfires burning - but that is another story!

The songs’ subject matter (on Wildfire) mainly deals with psychology, I guess, and the different states of mind people can be in. There is not a lot of storytelling on this record. It is a bit more introspective; however, there are exceptions. Freeway was written in homage to the daily work commute. Halloween was written about an argument with my wife at a Halloween party. I guess Money to Burn also reflects on the greed and individualism that seems to have plagued a lot of western society.

The album is your most diverse work and straddles genres. What was the reason for this cross-genre approach?

I think the genre-bending has to do with my writing approach. It is also not dissimilar to our first record, Eclectric, in that manner - a title that was based on being 'eclectic' and 'electric'. I do not ever write songs thinking I am going to write a Funk song or a Rock song…or Soul or Blues…

I just write with my instincts and let it come out the way it wants to. When I then take this to a group of highly capable Jazz musicians; you can come up with all kinds of things! Honestly, if you think this album is diverse, the next one will blow your mind! I have already written twenty-eight songs for it!

Going to have to start culling soon!

Do you have a love of all styles? How eclectic were your childhoods in terms of the music you discovered?

We are extremely eclectic...

I come from Ohio (in the U.S.A.), the home of old-school Funk; Kumar’s family comes from India; the rest of the band is Australian - and probably scattered with European heritage. Melbourne is a diverse place! Really, though, Kumar and I have done most of the work - and he is often the first person I show songs too. I have worked with him for nearly ten years.

He is a talented musician and capable of brilliance in any style and I mean that: Kumar is next-level world-class.

I believe you have a string of dates to promote the album. Where will you be headed?

We are doing a small East Coast run in N.S.W./A.C.T.; in Sydney and Canberra - as well as seven dates throughout Victoria in Warrnambool...Rye, Ballarat; Bendigo, Castlemaine; Melbourne and Geelong.

What is touring like for you guys? Do you get a kick out of it? What is the best bit about touring?

The best thing about touring is playing heaps of shows and having a good time: the hardest part is being away from home, family and friends.

Honestly, though, you cannot beat getting to do a lot of what you love the most. That’s what life is about - if you can create that for yourself, I reckon.

You coming to the U.K. soon and playing for us? Are you all fans of British music?

HA, are you kidding me?!

There is nothing I would like to do more than get on a plane with the band to London-town! It would be pure magic, the absolute best. The flights are not cheap, though. I reckon we will get there one day. You people will not know what hit you! One of our drummers has played Glastonbury a few times in another band – so, yeah, see you in a few years when we headline! It’s going to be a ripper show….

Seriously, though, we are also big fans of lots of 1960s/1970s British Rock music. It really led the way for the whole globe. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones; Queen, David  Bowie; The Who and Pink Floyd etc…the list could be longer….

It is also no coincidence that massive artist like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley did not really get massive global recognition until they came to London. It must be a cool place, indeed.

What are you chaps up to this Christmas? Do you visit family or have other plans?

We have a show at a local venue booked in just before New Year’s Eve. I imagine we will also be inundated with presents from fans - and busy opening Christmas cards filled with cash and pictures of nude humans. No really, I am joking. It’s hot round here come Christmas; so I imagine a beer or two will be had. 

There are some fantastic beaches just out of Melbourne - so a bit of swimming will be in order, no doubt.

IN THIS PHOTO: City Calm Down/PHOTO CREDIT: Liam Thomson

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

There is a great band in Melbourne called Laneous I saw the other night. Our drummer from our first album plays in City Calm Down. They are kicking lots of goals and coming your way in November, I believe. I also really dig a band here called Curse Ov Dialect.

There is an awesome band supporting us on tour, from Melbourne, called China Beach. They are rad. Kind of like the Bee Gees-meets-Tame Impala. Also; I heard a great song the other day by a singer named BATTS.

Really, for new, though, you cannot go past US!

 IN THIS PHOTO: BATTS/PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Grace Hunder: Photographer

If you had to select the album that means the most to you; which would it be and why?

This is a hard question!

I guess it changes over time but I currently cannot really go past Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ double-album, Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus.  For song-depth and intensity, it is really as good as it gets. Sonically, it blows my mind in the way the music was recorded and the level of musicianship. It crosses many genres.

It is purely about the music and the expression - and this, to me, is what music is about. It is the real deal, like all their records. Nick Cave is one of those artists - like Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen (or John Lennon): their music transcends time and space. It is not Pop.

It is real art and will be here forever.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Work your ass off - but have fun doing it!

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Brian: Beastie Boys – Pass the Mic

Kumar: Van Halen – Hot for Teacher

Adam: Prince – Alphabet Street

Chris: Queen – The Prophets Song

Anthony: The Cat Empire – How to Explain

Lachie: Maceo Parker – Shake Everything You Got (Pt. 1)

Sean: The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter

_________

Follow Brian El Dorado and the Tuesday People 

 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/brianeldoradoandthetuesdaypeople

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BrianEldorado

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/el_durrito_burrito_fiend/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6W5rz1bBS3tqWICWwnJ1Mk

BandCamp:

https://brianeldorado.bandcamp.com/

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/brianeldorado

INTERVIEW: Rogue Sector

INTERVIEW:

 Rogue Sector

________

IT is a hard imagining what a new duet with Nico would sound like…

but Rogue Sector have managed to make it a reality. For the new track, Spare the Words, they have been able to fuse Nico’s voice into their song – Paul and Andrew explain how that was made possible. They talk about their passion for her music and what we can expect from their upcoming L.P., The Ministry of Love. I ask about their favourite sounds and how they found their newest member, Ellie.

They talk about the video for Spare the Words and what the future holds; advice they would offer upcoming artists – and what the music scene is like in St. Albans (where Rogue Sector are based).

________

Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Paul: Fine, thanks…busy! 

We’re working hard on our debut album, The Ministry of Love.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

We are Paul Freegard (Sounds, Machines and Production); Ellie Jones (vocals); Andrew Trussler (Songwriter, Sounds and Co-Production).

Stark and minimal Electronica is our thing!

Give me an insight into the new song, Spare the Words. Is there a story behind the song?

Andrew: Yes. I was lying in bed one day recovering from a throat infection - and listening to Nico’s Marble Index. The final track, Nibelungen, is Nico singing unaccompanied. There’s this line “Will you spare the words for me to hear?” that just snagged in my imagination for some reason.

I had the idea that, maybe, I could write a new song around that line and create a beyond-the-grave duet with her. The ‘haunted’ aspect of the idea really appealed to me. I didn’t want it to be a cheap gimmick: it had to stand up as a song in its own right. Sometime later, the lyrics came to me - after a friend’s relationship had ended badly.

Paul: It was very eerie working on this track in the studio as it, sometimes, seemed as though Nico was in the vocal booth! We made the drone that runs through the song by sampling Andrew bowing a cymbal with a cello bow.

I like to think Nico would’ve have appreciated the atmosphere it created...

IN THIS PHOTO: Nico

It, as you've said, samples a vocal from iconic singer, Nico. What is it about her voice that meant you included it in the song? Which period of her career do you love the most?

Andrew: I love Nico’s solo work: there’s nothing else like it...

I’m also a big John Cale fan and I really like the arrangements and atmospheres he created around her songs (he produced/arranged most of her solo albums). Her vocals have gravitas and a spectral quality that I’ve always appreciated. She had a turbulent and unsettled personal life and she was deaf in one ear - but she wrote some beautifully twisted songs.

Her records are the kind you put on after midnight. My favourite track of hers is Frozen Warnings (from Marble Index). She was born to sing that as much as Sammy Davis Jr. was born to sing Mr. Bojangles.

But, there are other great songs throughout her career that I love too: Sixty Forty, Janitor of Lunacy; You Forget to Answer…to name just a few.

Paul: She also did an unsettling version of My Funny Valentine on her last album, Camera Obscura. Unsettling but beautiful.

The video is quite cinematic and memorable. Whose idea was the concept and what was it like shooting the video?

Andrew: The song, itself, is a kind of séance; so we decided to extend that idea to the video as well. The concept for the video was cooked up by us and the director, Rua Acorn.

Paul: We converted our basement studio into a temporary film-set - and the video was shot on a shoestring budget in one day.

Andrew: Rua and I edited the video and my brother added the ghostly special-effects.

It features footage of Nico. Was it hard getting permission to use the images and what did you think when you saw the video back?

The exclusive footage of Nico that’s in the video is all thanks to the Mancunian experimental musician, Eric Random. He’s been a hero of mine for years; having produced many interesting albums - as well as collaborating with Cabaret Voltaire and Genesis P-Orridge. But, throughout the 1980s, he was also a member of Nico’s band, The Faction, while she was living in Manchester.

Eric and I had become friendly on Twitter so I asked him if he had any video footage of her that we could use.

Paul: To our surprise and delight, he let us have a V.H.S. of a gig Nico and The Faction played in Switzerland in 1986. We started cutting this into (the) Spare the Words video and it was thrilling - Nico seemed to be lip-syncing to the track!

Andrew: Eric was great. He didn’t want any money - just an ownership credit regarding the Nico footage. He’s a really sound guy and is still producing great music. His latest album, Two Faced, is really good.

Have you all been together for a while? How did Rogue Sector come to exist?

Paul: We started working as a duo in late-2015. We’d known each other for a few years and had occasionally talked about making music together. There was a point when the idle-chatter stopped and we actually got into the studio and began experimenting. We hit it off straight away and it all went on from there...

Ellie is the newest member of the group. Paul and Andrew. How did you meet her and what is it about her vocals that attracted you?

Andrew: It was thanks to Pete Jones - who plays in Department S. He asked us to do a remix of their 1980 hit, Is Vic There? – then, a track called Age of Control (from their latest album). We’ve, since, become good friends. We were looking for a singer and Pete suggested his daughter, Ellie.

As soon as we heard her voice, we knew she was perfect for Rogue Sector – and, happily, she really liked our sound. So; we got her into the studio and she did the vocals for the entire album in just three sessions. She’s brought such a lot of personality to the proceedings and is great fun to be around too.

We’re so lucky to have found her.

Paul: Unfortunately, she recently had a nasty fall while she was away in Berlin and has damaged her back. She’s on the mend - but temporarily out of action.

Tell me about the artists you are both inspired by? What music were you raised on?

Andrew: The bands I loved as a kid were The Banana Splits and The Monkees. I got hooked on The Beatles, too. Then, one Christmas, my mum and dad gave me a BBC Radiophonic Workshop L.P. - featuring the Doctor Who theme tune and incidental music from the show. It was, simultaneously, fascinating and scary!

It had a huge psychic impact on me: I’m convinced that the Radiophonic Workshop sort of indoctrinated me (because they were also doing a lot a music for kids’ programmes and T.V. for schools, at the time).

So, in later life, I was drawn to all kinds of sound/music experimentation in songs - and gravitated towards bands like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire; Kraftwerk, Einstürzende Neubauten; John Cale and Nico...so, the Radiophonic Workshop were just as big an influence on me as The Beatles.

Paul: When I was a kid, my mum’s friend gave me the entire Beatles’ singles collection - but my sister smashed them all up with a hammer. On a more positive note: I remember seeing Once Upon a Time in the West and being entranced by the Ennio Morricone soundtrack. Also; the Roobarb cartoon was memorable for the distorted guitar soundtrack.

You are based in St. Albans. What is the music scene like there and is it quite easy getting gigs?

We see quite a few local bands play live and enjoy them, too. I’d say the ‘scene’ is mainly guitar-based bands. Nothing wrong with that but there isn’t a particularly visible Electronica scene.

We need to find some friends!

Do you have an E.P. or album coming up? Will we hear new material before the end of this year?

Andrew: Yes. We’re in the midst of recording our debut album, The Ministry of Love. It’s due to be released in April/May 2018. The title-track is finished and has already had some airplay on local radio. We’re planning to make a video for it very soon. By the end of the year, there’ll be some new tracks, too.

Watch this space!

Do you have any future gigs planned? Where can we catch you play?

Paul: No gigs planned at the moment, but we’re trying to figure out the best way of putting a live show together - and hope to start gigging next year.

IN THIS PHOTO: Earl Sweatshirt

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

Andrew: Earl Sweatshirt. He’s taken ‘chopped-and-screwed’ Hip-Hop to the extreme on his album, I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. It’s claustrophobic and menacing in the best sense; particularly the track, Grief. The beats are irrational and the song is always on the verge of falling apart. I really appreciate the bare-bones-minimalism he employs.

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

Paul: Reproduction by The Human League

It was the first album I ever heard that had a slant on the human condition and a social commitment. It summed up the period in which I grew up and made me realise I wanted to be a producer. They also pulled off a cover of You’ve Lost That Lovin' Feeling by The Righteous Brothers, which totally blew me away - because it was so different and equally as good.

Andrew: Music for a New Society by John Cale

It is s a perennial favourite of mine. Cale originally went into the studio with the idea of recording an album of songs with solo piano and guitar accompaniments. But then, mercurial as ever, he went back and tore the whole thing apart; deconstructing the songs until they were these bleak and beautiful tracks with dismembered arrangements.

I mentioned, earlier, how much I loved The Beatles and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop as a kid - and this album is like a nightmare marriage of the two. It showed me how much you could experiment with the song format; how you could shake it up like a kaleidoscope and get fascinating and original results in the process.

My favourite track on the album is Thoughtless Kind - which is like a dystopian vision of Auld Lang Syne. At times, Cale strips things down to just the click-track, maniacal laughter and distant bagpipes. It sounds as if it’s being performed in an asylum - and I wouldn’t change a thing!

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Paul: Find your own sound and DON’T try to fit in. Find a record label that you admire and respect and try and make music better than theirs. Go against the grain. Don’t tolerate managers that try to mould you.

If you’re a Pop band…good luck with that!

Andrew: Life is fleeting, so put your body and soul into it and get on with it! If you’ve got something to say, say it. Aim high! Even if you fail, you’ll have a much more interesting life than if you just play safe.

Make your own luck and take people’s advice with a pinch of salt…including ours!

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Obviously, we’ll be helping Santa on Christmas Eve. But, we’ll be in the studio for the rest of the Christmas period - as we have a deadline to meet for the album release.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Thoughtless Kind by John Cale

Paul: Muse by OCAD

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Follow Rogue Sector:

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/roguesector?lang=en 

INTERVIEW: Other Creatures

INTERVIEW:

Other Creatures

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DUBLIN newcomers Other Creatures…

have released their debut single, Luxembourg - from their upcoming The First EP. It is a confident song that entices a stunning E.P. I talk to the band about the debut track and what inspired it; what the music scene is like in Dublin – and the bands/albums they are inspired by. I learn more about the dynamics of Luxembourg and the sort of trials they had to overcome when recording the music; what it has been like working with Trout Records – and what kind of sounds we can expect to hear on their debut E.P.

Fionn, who takes most of the answers tips a few acts to watch out for; what their diary looks like over the coming weeks – and how it feels getting praise from some pretty big sources.

________

Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Good, thank you. We hope you’re well too...

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

We are Other Creatures from Dublin. We’re a three-piece – guitar, bass and drums: Konrad, Fionn and Dave. We’ve been a band for five years - but have known each other, and played music with each other, since school.

Can you tell me the story behind the new single, Luxembourg? Is there a tale attached to the song?

Fionn: It’s one of the earliest songs we have that has survived to this E.P. and, as I remember it, came together pretty quickly. Structurally, it’s cheating as the whole thing just repeats itself – but it makes the song long enough to work.

It opens every show...

It is taken from The First EP. What other songs and sounds can we expect from it? What was it like recording it?

We recorded the songs in a professional studio over three days and everything came back flat and stale. We were debating what to do next and Konrad decided he’d get to work building a home studio in our practice space.

It was only ever an experiment but he started to find the sound we were after and, over about two weeks, we got everything recorded.

Then, in the mixing process, a computer crashed and we lost everything. Third-time-lucky; we recorded everything again; Konrad mixed it himself…and that’s the finished product.

It is released on Trout Records. Are you excited working with them and what is it about the label that attracts you?

It’s a Dublin label with a roster of great bands...

They only take on bands they want to work with and were one of the first to ever approach us - and encourage us about what we were doing. I get the sense melody and physicality are important muses for the band.

Give me an insight into the music you all grew up listening to.

It would be a long list...

For melody: The Beatles, Pavement; Jeff Buckley and Pixies.

For physicality: Led Zeppelin and Nirvana.

You are all friends. Was there a particular moment/spark when you realised you needed to set up Other Creatures?

We got together in Konrad’s (place) one day in the summer and set up the equipment. It was fun so we didn’t stop.

Already, your music is getting into the head and hands of some big publications. Does that give you the boost to keep going and aim high?!

It gives the songs a better chance of being heard – that’s the reward.

Dublin is where the band is based out of. Is the city a great place to record and gig? Give me an insight into the magic and mystery of Dublin…

Dublin has great venues, big and small. You can get from your practice room to a stage in the city pretty quickly.

Dublin will always support live music. It’s relatively small for a capital city as well, so you begin to discover familiar faces.

What tour dates do you chaps have coming up?

Next up, we are playing a Trout Records showcase in the Islington (in London); 14th November with Tandem Felix and Tomorrows.

I can imagine live performances are where your music comes to life strongest. What has the reaction been like so far (on the road) and is gigging where you feel happiest?

We love to play live - and the reaction has been great.

There are tough gigs but we’re a really simple setup - so we can usually just plug in and go. I think that’s part of the appeal of the band, in a way.

IN THIS PHOTO: Bleeding Heart Pigeons

Who are the new artists you suggest we check out?

Bleeding Heart Pigeons; Katie Dey; Benjamin Clementine.

IN THIS PHOTO: Katie Dey

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

The Beatles - The Beatles - 1967-1970

That’s right: the best of The Beatles. It was the first of theirs I listened to.

Dave: Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II

Because, fu*k you, it’s Rock and Roll

Konrad: Grace – Jeff Buckley

Because (Grace by) Jeff Buckley is excellent

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Don’t expect anything from music: nothing’s happened until it’s happened.

Enjoy it...

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

Too early to discuss Christmas...I refuse.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Fionn: Perry Como – Glendora

Dave: The Thrills – One Horse Town

Konrad: Katie Dey – Debt

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Follow Other Creatures

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/othercreatures/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Other_Creatures

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NkjQpCcpkuTDbWqyhSf1c

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/othercreatures 

INTERVIEW: XY&O

INTERVIEW:

 XY&O

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I have known about the boys of XY&O…

for some time now – the man who manages the band designed my website (for blog/music-related fact-hunters). I have followed their music and notice, as their popularity increases, their sounds become more confident and explorative. The guys talk about their E.P., Powder Rooms, Vol. 1, and what comes next – one assumes further volumes (or the title is a bit of a tease!). I learn about their formation and how Spotify, where their music picks up huge streaming figures, impacts their career.

Skip, Tudor and Nick talk about music tastes and what gigs are in the diary; whether they actually did meet at the University of Exeter – as the rumour goes… - and what music they all grew up on.

________

Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello, people of the Internet. It’s nice to pop in and say ‘hello’.

Our week has been an odd one. Somehow, we managed to appear on national television from Nick’s bedroom - whilst maintaining some sort of composure. Also; we featured in all of our dads’ favourite newspaper.

So, all in all, a successful week!

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

We’re a D.I.Y. band from Cardiff. We attempt to make music that makes you tap your feet.

Is it true you all met at the University of Exeter? Can you remember that day you all came together?

We actually didn’t all meet at the University of Exeter - I think that’s a story that has been thrown around a bit.

We’re all from South Wales and met through producing/writing music locally – but, the first demos that we threw together (Low Tide, included) were constructed in Tudor’s Exeter dorm room.

Skip, Tudor and Nick; you work out of Tudor’s bedroom. Is that where all the songs take shape? What is the advantage of taking a D.I.Y. approach?

Tudor’s home studio is where a lot of the songs take shape. Occasionally, we start at Nick’s house but we all usually like to write individually and then meet up and share ideas in person -usually an idea that we like will get bounced around between the three of us - then we’ll all record our parts separately at home and take it from there.

I think it’s fair to say that Tudor’s place feels like the home of XY&O, though.

XY&O are unsigned. Is that something you are proud of or is there a desire to find a suitable label?

I think it’s more a question of flexibility than pride.

The way the climate of this industry has changed in the last few years means that it’s more sustainable than ever for any band to take the D.I.Y. approach. In our case, we’ve always liked having the flexibility to do what we like without answering to a label. The rapid expansion of streaming sites like Spotify make it easy for small artists to monetise their art - and that’s what has allowed us to keep working on what we love – that’s all that matters to us.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nadine Ballantyne

Nick. You are still studying at the University of Reading. Is it hard balancing studies and music?

I actually finally managed to finish my degree a couple of months ago...

It was tough. In the past, I’ve always made time for music but trying to maintain that level of commitment, whilst doing a degree, was too much to handle if I’m honest. It was tough to go from playing Glastonbury in the summer to studying derivative securities for another year. I enjoyed my time at university but it definitely felt like I was living some sort of weird double-life: there was a couple of times when we were playing gigs the night before deadlines/finals.

The weirdest part of it is actually now that I’ve finished; this is the first time I’ve been able to spend all my time focused on music - and it’s a really weird feeling.

Power Rooms, Vol. 1 is out now. What themes and stories inspired the E.P. and what has the reaction been like so far?

It’s very early days but the reaction has been positive, yeah!

From a lyrical point of view, the songs on the E.P. are all based on real-life interactions that I’ve (Skip) had. It’s the same on the songs on Vol.2 and Vol. 3. Some of those were up-close and intense - and some were just fleeting meetings that left a mark. The songs are all about people, specific people...

Myself included.

You launched it at The Finsbury. What was the gig like and is it a venue you guys have played before?

The gig at the Finsbury was amazing.

It was our first time playing at there and I honestly don’t think it was possible for us to feel more welcome there. The promoters went to town plastering the place with XY&O banners and posters - so the place looked like a bit of an XY&O-fest! I’m pretty sure even the food menus had pictures of us on the back – so, all in all, we were super-appreciative and humbled by the amount of effort everyone had put into the promotion leading up to the gig. What was (also) amazing to see was quite a lot of genuine fans that had come from all over London and beyond to watch the gig. At first, we assumed the crowd consisted mostly of friends and random locals.

It wasn’t until after the gig we realised we had a cluster of fans looking to buy merch. and take pictures with us - which was really pretty surreal.

Are there going to be any singles from the E.P. in the future?

So. We’ve decided to structure our releases slightly differently this time around...

We plan to release two more volumes of Powder Rooms; each one containing two-three tracks. We love the idea of juxtaposing styles and textures so you can expect to find the tracks on each volume to have quite different feels to each other. This also reflects our unique individual tastes in music; sometimes the only thing connecting one release from the other is the fact it’s the same three guys behind the production and lyrics (and performance) every time.

What type of music did you all grow up to? Who are the artists that made an impression when you were young?

Skip: Prince, John Martyn; Fleetwood Mac, The Cure and Arcade Fire are some of my favourite artists. I also owe a huge debt to bands like Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World and Kings of Leon - who sound-tracked my childhood and teenage years.

Nick: Counting Crows, The Carpenters; Jimi Hendrix, The Clash. A band that made a huge impression on me was Bombay Bicycle Club. Their debut album was some of the best guitar-based music I have heard.

Tudor: Eminem, Coldplay; One Republic, Bill Withers; Dr. Dre, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder. I had a fascination with Rap during my early-teens - which has recently been rekindled by the likes of Kendrick (Lamar) and J. Cole. If this Haze-Pop business doesn’t work out; I’ll be looking to be the next-big-thing in Hip-Hop (haha).

It is clear, judging by the millions of Spotify streams, there is a big demand for your music. How does it feel to know your music gets so much love on Spotify?

It’s a nice feeling knowing that people appreciate your music.

We all use Spotify day to day and there’s nothing more satisfying than flicking on a playlist and discovering great new music: it’s nice to know that there’s people out there who feel that way about us. It’s also inspiring to find our music being played so much in the States. There’s no doubt that American culture and music had a big influence on us during our earlier years so, to find such a big portion of our streams coming from that part of the world, really is amazing.

It also kinda crazy; the Internet and the likes of Spotify have allowed us to reach corners of the world we have never and may never even visit!

It is coming up to Christmas. You guys have any plans at the moment?

We’ve been called the Princes of Summer before when, in fact, it literally couldn’t be more opposite. Aha. We’re all secretly fans of winter (maybe due to our pasty complexions) so I think we’ll be praying for snow! Aside from snow-praying and Father Christmas-expecting, we’ll be doing lots of what we love: writing songs and experimenting with new ideas in our music production.

We’ve got some really exciting projects simmering at the moment - so, these next few months will consist mainly of finishing these songs to the best they can be.

Powder Rooms Vol. 2 E.P. is in-development. When can we expect to see that?

We have the songs for this volume ear-marked and (almost) ready for the world to hear. There’s a little more recording to do and some mix adjustments to make but, otherwise, they’re on-track (forgive the pun).

We can’t give a release date for Vol.2 yet as we’re still in the process of releasing more content to compliment Vol.1. We have a music video coming out (it involves toys) for Mesmerised, most likely, in early-November. After that, an acoustic, live shoot of us performing Mesmerised and Low Tide with a choir!

Expect to see that in December.

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

Tudor: Bob Marley – Exodus

It holds a special place in my childhood memories. This was always playing around the house when I was really young - and all night at every gathering on my mum’s side of the family. Meaningful, impactful and beautifully performed music.

Skip: Kings of Leon – Aha Shake Heartbreak

Everything about it was incredible: the lyrics, the sounds, the concepts…the flow. It changed the way I thought about music.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Believe in what you do and others will believe in you. Remember: it’s music, so it’s subjective. Everybody has an opinion but the artists who succeed are the ones who stay true to their art.

Learn as much as you can about the business of music, but ultimately, make the music that you believe in.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Hall & Oates - Out of Touch

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Follow XY&O

Official:

https://www.xyando.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/xyando/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/XYandOmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/xyando/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/636Zdq45wjoYRFToU0t3Gb

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/xyando

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3e1VnZAjERNpuVctFXtWCg?feature=watch 

INTERVIEW: Winnie Brave

INTERVIEW:

 Winnie Brave

________

THE married duo of Winnie Brave…

provide the music world with plenty of charm and unique spirit. I ask about their new single, Moonshine, and whether Amy and Brad are coming to the U.K. Winnie Brave is based in Canada - so I ask why Canada is producing so many great artists. They talk about the new album, Cheap Gin, and what more is coming.

The guys chat about their Winnebago and why they tour in it (and why it is so homely); what it has been like getting such a great reception – and whether they have any plans set for this Christmas.

________

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

We are Winnie Brave (Amy and Brad McIsaac); a husband-and-wife, Americana/Soul duo who tour/travel in our 1976 Winnebago with our two dogs.

Moonshine is your new single. What is the song about?

Moonshine was written by Amy (music and lyrics) one morning in February a few years ago. The song came about rather quickly and flowed from start-to-finish in under an hour – it was one of those easy songs that popped out fairly complete and without much effort or toiling. I wish they could all be that easy.

I didn’t have a set idea or story in mind at the start: I (just) let it flow and connected the dots – so to speak – what came out was a fairly traditional story of love that just wasn’t meant to be.

Catherine North Studio is where your album, Cheap Gin, was made. How was that experience?

Drums and vocals were recorded live in the main cathedral room of Catherine North Studios. The room provided the perfect acoustics for the driving train beat and the big, wide-open vocals. The large room also provided a great natural reverb - which was perfectly captured by Dan Hosh (Engineer) and his creative microphone techniques.

Will there be more material released from the album?

Lover on the Side is the second single that will be independently released before the year’s end.

Who are the other musicians who aided on the music of Cheap Gin?

The album features us, Amy and Brad McIsaac, along with Christine Bougie on Lap Steel; Adam Cannon on Drums; Lauren Campbell on Backing Vocals - and Albert Carraro on Electric Guitar.

We tour as a duo since the Winnebago only has two seatbelts.

Why did you guys get into music and which artists have inspired that decision?

Playing music was a shared, common interest and, what started as a hobby/just-for-fun pastime, naturally progressed into something we wanted to do for a living - it became our family business. We take inspiration from such a wide collection of artists that it’s hard to narrow it down to only a few...

In the last few years, we have looked towards artists like Shovels & Rope as inspiration for what we are aiming to achieve.

Talk to me about your 1976 Winnebago, ‘Winnie’. Why is she your chosen method of transportation? Does it feel like a home to you?!

Winnie, our 1976 Winnebago, is definitely home. She is the (most) perfect touring vehicle for us...

Having all the comforts of home (i.e. a kitchen, full bathroom; our own bed and dogs) means we can stay out on the road for extended periods of time without feeling like we’re missing anything - it’s comfortable all the time. Plus, she gets lots of attention and we have met some wonderful people - just because they were attracted to her good looks.

You must have experienced some great times in the Winnebago?!

There are so many great memories from our travels: it’s hard to pick just one; however, there was one night on the Central Coast in California that comes to mind…

One night, we pulled off Highway 1 (California’s old coast highway) and ventured down a gravel path that led to a bluff overlooking the ocean. We made dinner and ate outside under a perfectly-clear sky. Once it got dark, we settled into bed and fell asleep listening to the waves – it was a perfect evening and there wasn’t another soul around. Around 7:30 A.M., Brad woke up and peeked out the window… “Holy s*it; we’re surrounded!” I (Amy) jolted up to see what he was referring to (naturally thinking it was the cops. L.o.L.), and, low and behold, there were about thirty cows surrounding the R.V. – extremely curious and having a good look.

I guess not many Winnebagos roam into their pasture.

What is Canada’s music scene like now? Is it quite fertile and productive?

Finding gigs is the easy part: finding recognition is a whole other ballgame.

Having travelled to many different parts of Canada and the United States, we find that the scene is fairly similar across the board. In most circumstances, there are more bands than there are places to play.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Will you be coming to the U.K.?

We will be playing a bunch of dates throughout the remainder of the year in Western Canada - followed by a four-month tour of the United States (commencing in January 2018).

We’d love to come to the U.K.! We’d love to take Winnie for a spin around the Top Gear test-track.

Christmas is approaching. Do you all have plans already or will you be busy working?

We will be spending this Christmas in our new home in rural, eastern Alberta; then, heading south right after the New Year (to start our U.S. tour).

What do you guys do/enjoy outside of music?

Brad: Vintage cars and guitars; craft beer and hockey.

Amy: Thrift shop-hunting and cooking a great meal (while sipping a cocktail, naturally).

If you each had to select the one album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

When I was about fifteen; I learned how to play the guitar and was really drawn to Sarah McLachlan. Her album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, was probably one of the first albums I bought that I listened to over and over again – it wasn’t long before I learned how to play all the songs… and then I cut all my hair off. L.o.L.

Brad: The first album I went deep with was Ten by Pearl Jam. I bought a pawn shop bass and a tab book and tried to master all the songs. The process of learning those songs inside and out informed my current taste in songwriting and production. My taste and influences have broadened greatly since then but that was where it began for me.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Work hard and keep working hard.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Amy: Crazy on You – Heart

Ann Wilson can SING!

Brad: Blown Wide Open - Big Wreck

Canadian content!

_________

Follow Winnie Brave

Official:

http://www.winniebrave.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/winniebravemusic/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/winniebrave

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/winniebrave/

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/45jiDVDqf8rVeFuwjg5jac

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/winniebrave

BandCamp:

https://winniebrave.bandcamp.com/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwTOM_SPK-KnGtpAmXmglg 

INTERVIEW: Brooke Sharkey

INTERVIEW:

 Brooke Sharkey

________

SHE is based out of London…

and is shaping up to become one of the brightest young stars here. I talk to Brooke Sharkey about her background and how she came to find music; what her new single, Offida, is all about and whether her album, Wandering Heart, is the start of great things – what we can expect next year. She talks about busking from a young age and playing across Europe; playing with Blick Bassy on 11th November – and what London is like for a young artist.

Sharkey gives me a window into her young life and what music means to her; the kind of sounds she was raised on – and what it feels like being lauded by some inspirational and beloved sources.

________

Hi, Brooke. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello there. I have to say, it’s been pretty special...

I was at my mum’s house in France, and now, I’ve just arrived in Paris for a show this evening - in a little intimate venue in Montmartre. 

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?

I translate what I go through in life into music - to make my own sense of things that happened; happen and may happen to me. It’s an emotional acknowledgement of an event: the insight into a person’s state of mind, or my own. Sometimes, the music comes before I have any idea that something needs my attention. I was brought up between France and U.K. and express my songs in both languages.

I’ve spent a lot of time roaming, busking and meeting interesting people; jumping around a lot - for reasons I wasn’t sure about until a few days ago. 

Tell me about the new single, Offida. What is the tale behind the song?

Offida is the story of a lady who dedicates herself for weaving lace in a small town in Italy in the Marque region. I visited this town a few years ago and met this woman in a shop. We had a beautiful exchange and she talked about how hard it was to survive there doing was she does. I really related to this. There were all these incredible garments tucked away in her draws that don’t usually sell.

Most of what she made these days were lace butterflies that she sold for 6€ to tourists - to keep her afloat and took her a few hours to weave. I bought some lace earrings for my mum; gave her one of my albums and left the shop. She ran after me and handed me a butterfly and thanked me. I promised myself I’d give it to Jez - who ended up joining the band shortly after the song was made. I wanted to remember the exchange with this lady; not to have faith in surviving and being successful. It was deeper than that.

About her being an example of dedication to what she loved, and the song in reflection, was valuing the moment we had together; our unique exchange. I guess I wanted to give an example of one story I lived - so that, in some selfish way, could perceive most events and things that happen in life this way.

If others did too, then wow…what a place the world would be like.

The song is from your album, Wandering Heart. Can you tell me the themes of the album and what it was like to record?

The album, in retrospect, is a collection of moments, exchanges; places that a sequence of random events let me to leading the life I lead - which is one that relied nearly entirely on trust. I have been a busker most of my life and it has been my main source of spirit and income, too. The songs are refections of the good times and bad - and the challenges and the magical encounters that started to make me see things in a different light.

We toured the songs for a while before recording them. Adam Beattie (Bass or Guitar), Jez Houghton, and myself - and sometimes, Sam Pert - developed it from touring. It was a big learning curve for me to try and bring the essence of what we do on a record and it was a big challenge for me and my band member - but it was very rewarding to see it come together. I stripped each song to its essence. By that I mean, if it was a personal song, I would do it solo then build on it so the intimacy wasn’t affected. If it was about a place, I tried to capture the atmosphere with the relevant combinations of instruments and recorded it live.

Jez preferred to work alone so we let him do it his way; then he sent over his parts when he was done. The hardest part was having what I wanted and what each person in the band was satisfied delivering - and trying to adapt to their way of working too. Each of us is so unique: it’s the uniqueness of my band members that were also a bit part of this album.

Your voice seems to take in a lot of different emotions and colours. Who are the artists you look up to and were inspired by?

I connected to the spirit of Lhasa de Sela, Silvia Perez Cruz and Tom Waits (to name a few of the bigger names) but, also, to all the bands and musicians I have been lucky to find and stumble across - being a musician of many years on the East London music scene. Through the diversity of music, I have had the chance to encounter a lot and managed to find my own voice - to express my own experiences. 

Did you bond with music quite early? What was it about music that made you want to write and perform?

My first connection with music was before I could talk.

My dad used to sing us sings; then when I got a voice and started experimenting with it. I remember trying to capture a melody by scribbling a line down on a piece of paper when I was about five. I have no idea what it is that makes us want to play. It feels good and connection and experiences come out of it - the richness only sometimes emerges later. Lots of them are revelations that I can relate back to when I stop valuing the moment. Creative works are a limitless pool that I carry on to uncover them each time I perform them. They change and grow and I change and grow.

It’s amazing to feel my way through them.

You started busking at sixteen and travelled Europe and London; France and Italy. Was that quite an enlightened time or was it quite tough?

I was still living in the same head of that girl until a few days ago - and would never have known what I was doing and how/what for. Now I can look back and see my life unfold slowly with the richness of those experiences. What it gave me was my own story that I didn’t know how to value them…but do now. The tough parts were the biggest lessons and formed me as a person.

The beautiful moments are there for me to savour forever.

PHOTO CREDIT: Alan Schaller Photography

Looking back at your time in music; which memories and gigs stick out?

I have played so many shows: they are all unique in their own way. The launches of new releases - such as St. Pancras Old Church in 2012; Wilton’s Music Hall in 2014 and The Jazz Cafe at the end of 2016 - are very memorable because it’s a time when every part of this journey I am on comes together - and I see all the wonderful people that have helped me along the way in the same room.

It’s very overwhelming and real.

London is your base. How important is the city to your music? What is it like for a young musician here?

Every musician’s life is different: everyone has their own path. We are united by common ground but I can’t stress how much we have our own underlying fate. We may end up in the same venues at some point but how we got there and where we go afterwards is so different. London is hard, easy; full of spirit and lonely. If you want to feel life at its most intense then live in London. I wouldn’t know how it feels for a young musician. I would know, if I met them and asked them, though, they will notice all the details that make sense to them - that would be entirely different to the places, people and experiences I go through and want to write about.

That’s the beauty of art - our own unique experience and view of the same things.

You are going to headline Union Chapel, London on 17th November. Are you looking forward to that and playing with Blick Bassy?

I first did a show with him in 2016. It was magical.

Sometimes, you need an element missing to notice other things. By that, I mean I didn’t know what he was singing about as he sings in Bassa - one of the many languages in Cameroon - and yet; I still felt like smiling, crying and tapping my foot. I have been praised and criticised for singing in French and English - as people either feel alienated or like they’re not understanding me. It is the perfect platform to imagine what I was saying.

There is something more to what Blick Bassy presents in his music. There’s a strong and vulnerable spirit. He’s amazing to watch and listen to and I trust his messages. I’m so excited about it. It’s insane. 

What other tour dates do you have coming up? Which dates are you most looking forward to?

I’m doing many dates with Blair Dunlop who is (also) quite a talent and, from our conversations, an ace person. I’m looking forward to being on the road with him - and us combining our journeys. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Bertrand Goareguer

It is nearing the end of the year. Will you have time to rest nearer Christmas and do you have any plans for later this year?

I have been writing a new album alongside my experiences since the start of the year. The songs have been a key tool to understanding my next steps in life and diving further into myself.

I’d like to spend some time alone this December and (spend) Christmas with my family in France. 

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

I have spent the last few months diving into music that my close friends listen to - mainly what they were brought up with - so I’m not up-to-date with current acts at the minute.

Maybe let me know if there’s something you’d like to share with me?

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Lhasa de Sela - Lhasa

This album is beautiful, but what I like most about it is her outlook, her life and her version of her life. She says “When I was young, I realised that the words you put in a song are precious”. She has spent time getting closest to who she really is: the pain and the joy.

You can feel that on this album... 

Adam Beattie - The Road Not Taken

I travelled alongside Adam all around France and Italy when he was making this album. In his revelations, intrigues and understandings; there’s nothing more valuable to listen to his creations from the events we lived together. 

Geoff Sharkey (Demos never-released and a lost tape) 

The third is this - surprisingly, it was never released officially. It was a bunch of demos, of which I had the tape, and then lost at some point in my teenage years. I remember how much they marked me and sometimes his lyrics crop up in my songs - and I say ‘hi’.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Keep doing what you do - and trust and marvel in your personal journey.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Fleetwood Mac - Dreams

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INTERVIEW: MY BABY

INTERVIEW:

 MY BABY

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THIS may be the first time…

I have featured an Amsterdam band on the site. I have been to Germany and France but never snuck into the Netherlands. This is exciting and especially so given the ethos, dynamic and look of MY BABY. They consist frontwomen Cato von Dyck and brother Joost – New Zealand-born Daniel ‘DaFreez’ Johnston completed the line-up. Their new single, Sunflower Sutra, is a stunning one; it has a terrific video I find out more about. The video consists three parts: Birth, Ceremony and Rebirth. The totems of each individual band member are evoked. We have Rooster (courageous and hardworking – this is Daniel’s); Hare (concerned with happiness and fertility – Cato’s sign) and Pig (soft and modest sums up Joost).

It is a quirky and unique take on music so I was eager to find out more and whether we can see the guys in the U.K.; how the trio got together – and if there is any more material down the road.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

We're doing great.

It’s been rather busy. Only just finished the festival summer, and now, straight into the European tour for two months - so, we were busy preparing for that.

However; we did manage to find some time to work in our studio. 

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?

We are a trio based in Amsterdam - that play Roots-driven hypnotic Dance.

What is the new single, Sunflower Sutra, all about? Can you reveal the story behind it?

Whilst writing songs for our album, Prehistoric Rhythm, we delved into ancient rituals that involved songs of worship.  Some cultures sang songs of worship for the sun as it also represented a deity - for instance, the Inca civilization or the peoples of ancient Egypt. We really fantasized about how their songs would have sounded.

The inspiration for the lyric came from discovering an old ancient Persian poem about sunflowers turning their heads to follow the sun - creating a sense of unity and symbolizing a strengthening bond.

We took the title from a poem by Allen Ginsberg. We fused all those influences to create the journey-like song that is built up out of different stages - and rhythms that represent the different stages of a ritual.

 

Tell me more about the video – as it has been nominated for a Los Angeles Music Video Festival award. Whose idea was the concept?

Ayla Spaans is a young talented filmmaker who approached us with the idea of making a video for Sunflower Sutra. She had an inspired vision and fresh interpretation of the song in mind that really tapped into the relationship between music and spirituality.

Your third album, Prehistoric Rhythm, employs different sounds, beats and styles. Do you think you have encompassed more influences as your career has progressed? 

We have always strived to fuse different styles and sounds. A lot of African beats formed the basis for quite a few songs on Prehistoric Rhythm.

Taking Influences from Indian and oriental melodies also made difference.  

How did you all get together? Were you all friends from years back?

Cato and Joost are sister and brother and have been playing together since childhood. We met Daniel over twelve years ago at a festival when he was Blues-busking around Europe (after leaving New Zealand).

PHOTO CREDIT: Bart Heemskerk

Amsterdam is where you are based. What is the music scene like there and are there lots of great acts emerging?

Amsterdam doesn't have a particularly rich history in Rock and Pop...

But, in recent years, the number of interesting acts has increased. There is a conservatory of music where a lot of Jazz musicians, in particular, emerge. Amsterdam is home to famous venues like Paradise, Melkweg and Bimhuis.

You have been getting a lot of love from stations like BBC Radio 6 Music and Beats 1. How important is this to you and how does it make you feel?

It’s great to get that support and recognition; especially because our music is not straightforward radio-music.

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we come see you play?

We have an autumn European tour coming up including U.K., Germany; Belgium, the Netherlands; Switzerland and Central/Eastern Europe.

Are you coming to the U.K. this/next year to play?

We had a great summer of festivals in the U.K. including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight; Shambala (and many others). Hopefully, that has generated interest in seeing our own headline show. 

We’ll be playing our Prehistoric Rhythm show in Leeds, Bristol; London, Manchester; Birmingham and Brighton.

IN THIS PHOTO: Emme Woods/PHOTO CREDIT: Bella Rebel Media

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

Emme Woods from Glasgow is an amazing singer and performer.

Echo Town is a duo supporting us on our U.K. tour. They have a great energy to watch out for.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mitchell Giebels 

If you each had to select the album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

Daniel: Robert Johnson's - King of the Delta Blues Singers

Robert Johnson is the most pivotal Blues influence because he was able to, so profoundly, depict the struggle of human existence and describe, in poetic imagery, what that entailed for him, personally. It's where Blues, as a Folk and a form of entertainment, meet artistry.

That discovery, for us, is part of the foundation of how we see our music and art in general.

Joost: Sly and the Family Stone - There’s a Riot Goin’ On

Sly and the Family Stone has been a prime source of inspiration in terms of Rock ethic and genius musicianship. There is a persuasive power of Gospel-meets-hippie idealism in Sly's music that is striking. There is always an expression of a dark and corrupted side (of himself) that threatens and leaves you feeling the fragility of life and all things beautiful. That is a rare combination to have shine through in your music.

It's something we aspire to...

Cato: The Gospel According to The Staple Singers - The Staple Singers

1950s’ recordings from The Staple Singers is a collection of powerfully evocative and enchanting Gospel traditionals. The guitar-playing of Father Pops Staples is spooky - and harks back to early-Country-Blues. Then, there is the majestic voice of Mavis - who powerhouses through all the songs; backed up by the brilliant harmonies of her siblings.

Truly humbling music.

Do you get the chance to relax/have downtime away from music? What do you all get up to when you have time to detach? 

Cato likes to travel and look for vintage clothing; Joost likes to party (especially in Glasgow); Daniel likes to hike in the mountains.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now? 

Be determined - and play as many shows as you can when you start out.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

For happy Pop-Soul goodness; check out Vulfpeck – Back Pocket

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